ISLAMABAD/RIYADH: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have agreed to immediately move towards the practical implementation of their collective defence commitments, including the provision and rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia, following an emergency meeting in Riyadh.
The Strategic-Political and Defense Committee of the Makkah Alliance for Defense met in the Saudi capital on October 5 to discuss security developments and threats facing the Kingdom, according to a joint statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The three countries said the move would translate their joint defence commitments into practical measures and strengthen their ability to respond collectively to security threats.
“The Committee decided to move immediately to the practical implementation of the collective defense commitments,” the statement said.
Under the decision, the three sides will take necessary measures to provide the agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia in accordance with approved arrangements and the respective national laws of the participating countries.
The measures are aimed at strengthening military readiness, integration and the collective capacity of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to confront and counter threats.
The emergency meeting also strongly condemned attempted attacks targeting Makkah and Madinah, as well as continuing attacks against Saudi cities and civilian and economic facilities.
Pakistan and Türkiye reaffirmed their rejection of any attack or threat against Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial integrity.
Both countries also praised the vigilance and preparedness of the Saudi Armed Forces and their response to threats and attacks against the Kingdom.
In another significant development, the committee appointed retired Pakistani Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as the first Secretary-General of the Makkah Alliance for Defense for a three-year term.
The three countries welcomed his appointment and expressed confidence that he would contribute to advancing the alliance and achieving its objectives.
The committee reviewed the outcome of political and military consultations held ahead of the emergency meeting and approved recommendations submitted to it.
According to the joint statement, the Makkah Alliance for Defense represents a commitment to collective defence and a unified approach to confronting threats facing its members.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye further declared that the security of each member was an integral part of the collective security of all three countries.
They said putting the Makkah Agreement for Joint Defense into practice would demonstrate the credibility of their collective defence commitment, strengthen deterrence and reaffirm their determination to defend their security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.