Makkah Defence Pact Strategic Committee Meets in Riyadh Amid Regional Tensions

The Strategic Political and Defence Committee established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is holding an emergency meeting in Riyadh to review the latest regional developments and defence cooperation.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir are participating in the meeting.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the Pakistani delegation will review the latest regional situation and cooperation under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan’s participation reflects its continued commitment to regional peace and stability.

The meeting is also being attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yaşar Güler and Chief of General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, along with Saudi officials.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said the discussions would cover recent regional developments and progress toward institutionalising cooperation under the agreement.

The meeting comes amid a fresh escalation in Yemen, where the internationally recognised Yemeni government has announced a major military operation aimed at regaining territory held by the Houthi militia.

Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi said the military operation was intended to restore state authority and institutions across the country.

He called on the armed forces, security forces and other military formations to begin implementing the announced plans to restore government control.

The developments add to broader regional tensions as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye continue efforts to strengthen coordination under the Makkah defence framework.