On Friday, representatives from Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia met to discuss plans for an urgent gathering of their top military officials. This meeting aims to explore strategies for aiding Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Defence Alliance in light of escalating attacks by Yemen’s Houthis. The discussions occurred between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, coinciding with the UN General Assembly in New York.

General Secretariat and Defence Agreement

The Foreign Office of Pakistan released a statement indicating that the leaders reviewed the progress made in establishing the General Secretariat, committees, and working groups as part of the recent trilateral defence agreement. This agreement, signed last month, outlines a framework for collective deterrence, asserting that any armed assault on one member state will be regarded as an attack on all involved parties.

In their statement, the ministers reiterated the necessity to convene an urgent meeting of the chiefs of staff from the three nations. The primary purpose of this meeting is to determine how they can assist Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which underscores that attacks against any of its signatories will be perceived as assaults against the entire alliance.

In addition to defence matters, the ministers evaluated the regional situation, highlighting the importance of adhering to legal principles, fostering strong neighbourly relations, and respecting the sovereignty of each state. They affirmed their commitment to maintaining security and ensuring freedom of navigation in the region.

Commitment to Regional Peace and Security

During this meeting, the leaders collectively condemned attacks aimed at the holy city of Makkah and against civilian and economic infrastructure within Saudi Arabia. They expressed their determination to collaborate on achieving sustainable peace and stability across the region. Furthermore, the Foreign Office emphasised the significant nature of these discussions.

These align with the broader goals of strengthening the trilateral alliance and enhancing regional cooperation. The ministers are reportedly keen on setting concrete timelines for the initial activities linked to the framework established by the defence agreement. On a related note, Pakistan has recently appointed former Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as the inaugural Secretary-General of the trilateral alliance.

This appointment reflects the countries’ commitment to advancing the new defence arrangement, aiming for a more co-ordinated response to mutual security threats. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the three nations remain focused on solidifying their partnership. The forthcoming chiefs of staff meeting is likely a critical step in fortifying military collaboration and addressing imminent security challenges posed by the Houthis.

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