Makkah Defence Pact: Pakistani, Turkish & Saudi FMs discuss security issues on UNGA sidelines

NEW YORK: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have reviewed regional security developments and progress on the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA) amid renewed attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The meeting focused on regional and international security issues as well as the institutional arrangements required to implement the trilateral defence agreement.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the three countries have been holding regular consultations and working to strengthen the structures established under the Makkah agreement.

The agreement provides that an armed attack against any one of the three member states will be regarded as an attack against all three, consistent with the right of individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

The ministers reviewed progress towards establishing the agreement’s General Secretariat, committees and working groups, along with preparations for their operations.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry said the three ministers also discussed arrangements for an urgent meeting of the chiefs of staff of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.

The proposed meeting would examine ways to support Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement amid the latest security situation.

The ministers also condemned attacks targeting Makkah and other civilian and economic sites in Saudi Arabia, while affirming the kingdom’s right to defend itself.

The agreement was signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on August 7, 2026, and its first Strategic Political and Defence Committee meeting was held in Istanbul on August 31.

The three countries reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability and supported continued diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions.

Pakistan has repeatedly described the Makkah agreement as defensive in nature and said it is intended to strengthen collective deterrence while supporting regional peace and stability.

The countries also stressed the importance of international law, state sovereignty and the security and freedom of maritime navigation.

The meeting comes amid renewed attacks attributed to the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia.

The attacks have raised concerns over the security of Saudi territory, civilian infrastructure, energy facilities and regional shipping routes.

Reuters reported that Türkiye has expressed readiness to support Saudi Arabia with military and technical needs under the Makkah agreement, while Pakistan has continued to emphasise diplomacy and a peaceful resolution of the wider regional crisis.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has also said Islamabad remains committed to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security while continuing diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region.

Meanwhile, Saudi Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan called on Saudi and allied forces to maintain unity and perseverance while carrying out their duties.

He urged personnel deployed on the front to remain steadfast and united in confronting attacks by the Houthi militia.

The Grand Mufti also stressed the responsibility of the armed forces in protecting Saudi Arabia and its people.

The latest diplomatic and security consultations come as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye continue efforts to develop the institutional framework of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement while pursuing diplomatic avenues for regional de-escalation.