Makkah Defense Agreement Meeting: Ishaq Dar Arrives in Saudi Arabia

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has arrived in Saudi Arabia to attend a meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement in Riyadh today. The meeting will review regional developments and cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.

Dar arrived in Madinah before travelling to Riyadh for the meeting.

According to the Foreign Office, he visited the Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH) and offered prayers for Pakistan, its people, the Muslim Ummah and regional peace and stability. He also visited Jabal Uhud and offered prayers for the martyrs of Uhud.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to Attend

Pakistan will be represented by Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

Their Saudi and Turkish counterparts will also attend the meeting. The committee will discuss the regional situation and ways to strengthen cooperation under the Makkah Agreement.

The three countries established the Strategic Political and Defense Committee at its inaugural meeting in Istanbul on August 31. They agreed to further institutionalize cooperation and establish a secretariat in Saudi Arabia.

What is the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement?

The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement was signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in Makkah on August 7.

It states that an armed attack against one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all three. Pakistan has described the agreement as defensive in nature.

Dar had said last week that the committee would meet in Riyadh to review the regional situation and developments linked to the ongoing crisis.