Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye Launch Makkah Defence Alliance in Istanbul

The first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee, the governing body of the newly renamed Makkah Defence Alliance, was held in Istanbul on Monday. The tripartite pact that now links Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was officially renamed by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who also announced that the alliance’s first secretary‑general will be a Pakistani officer. The secretariat of the alliance will be located in Riyadh, according to Fidan.

The Makkah Defence Alliance was created in August 2023 when Ankara, Islamabad and Riyadh signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. The agreement mirrors NATO’s Article 5 collective‑defence clause, stating that an armed attack against one member will be treated as an attack on all. The alliance’s purpose is to strengthen joint defence capabilities, enhance deterrence and coordinate military responses amid rising regional and global tensions.

During the press conference after the Istanbul meeting, Fidan outlined the agenda for the committee. He said the discussion would cover shared responsibilities, the strengthening of defence capabilities, and coordination among the three armed forces. The alliance will also work on counter‑terrorism efforts and review cooperation in the defence industry, including joint production, research and development. Fidan emphasized that the alliance is not directed against any specific state and remains open to participation by friendly countries that adhere to its principles.

Pakistan’s delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Their presence underscored Pakistan’s historic friendship with Turkey and Saudi Arabia and its commitment to regional peace and stability. The meeting was attended by the foreign and defence ministers of Turkey and Saudi Arabia, as well as their chiefs of general staff.

In addition to the committee session, Saudi Defence Minister Khalid Bin Salman met with Field Marshal Munir to review prospects for military and defence cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. In a brief X post, Bin Salman said the two leaders discussed developments in the regional situation and the efforts being made in response to them. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif met with Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler in Istanbul. The two leaders agreed to enhance joint defence cooperation in the region.

The Makkah Defence Alliance seeks to promote regional peace, stability and prosperity. Fidan said that decisions taken at the meeting would yield meaningful results and would help the three countries respond more effectively to any threat. He added that the alliance would work on a roadmap to invite other friendly states to join the pact, thereby expanding its collective deterrence.

The pact was signed on August 7, 2023, in the wake of the Middle East war that began on February 28, after the United States and Israel jointly bombed Iran and targeted its top leadership. The agreement reflects the concerns of the three Muslim nations about the conflict and their desire to prevent further escalation.

As the first step in a new era of trilateral cooperation, the Istanbul meeting set the groundwork for the Makkah Defence Alliance’s secretariat in Riyadh and outlined a framework for joint activities. The alliance’s leaders expressed confidence that the cooperation would strengthen their collective security and contribute to a more stable region.

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