Makkah Defence Pact Meeting Opens in Riyadh as Regional Tensions Rise

Pakistan’s top political and military officials arrived in Riyadh on Monday for a meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee (SPDC) established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA).

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir are representing Pakistan at the meeting, according to the Foreign Office.

Foreign and defence ministers, along with senior military commanders from Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, are also attending the talks.

The committee is reviewing the latest regional developments and ongoing cooperation under the Makkah Agreement. Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry said the meeting would also address efforts to further institutionalise the trilateral framework.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office said its participation reflects Islamabad’s resolve to contribute to regional peace and stability.

Makkah Pact Members Discuss Regional Security

The Riyadh meeting follows consultations between the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24.

Kiran Foundation and Sparks Business Club Sign MoU for Social Development

The ministers reviewed progress under the Makkah Agreement and agreed to convene an urgent meeting of senior military officials. Pakistan’s Foreign Office later said the three countries would continue working on de-escalation, restraint and peaceful resolution of regional crises.

The military chiefs subsequently met in Riyadh on September 25 to discuss the security situation and cooperation under the agreement.

The latest meeting comes as regional tensions have increased following attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. Pakistan has expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security while also advocating dialogue and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

Makkah Agreement Signed in August

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Makkah on August 7, establishing a framework for closer security and defence cooperation.

Under the agreement, an armed attack against one member is to be regarded as an attack against all three, consistent with their stated right to individual and collective self-defence. Pakistan has described the pact as defensive in nature and said it is not directed against any particular country.

The agreement builds on longstanding military ties between the three countries. It also provides a framework for greater cooperation in defence capabilities, technology and defence production.

The inaugural SPDC meeting took place in Istanbul on August 31. The three countries agreed to establish a secretariat in Saudi Arabia, initially headed by a Pakistani secretary general for three years.

Riyadh Talks Come Amid Yemen Escalation

The meeting takes place as fighting involving Yemen’s Houthis intensifies.

Reuters reported that Yemen’s Saudi-backed government launched a major military campaign aimed at recapturing territory held by the Houthis. Saudi Arabia has also faced attacks that Riyadh has attributed to the Houthis.

Pakistan has called for restraint and continued diplomatic engagement over the wider regional crisis. Foreign Office statements have stressed the importance of protecting regional stability, sovereignty and freedom of navigation.

The Riyadh meeting is therefore expected to provide another forum for Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to coordinate their positions and strengthen the institutional framework of the Makkah Agreement.