Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to hold first Mekka defense committee meeting in Istanbul Aug 31
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The Strategic Political and Defense Committee established under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement will hold its first meeting in Istanbul on August 31. Foreign ministers, defense ministers, and chiefs of general staff from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are expected to attend. The meeting will address joint defense, defense industry cooperation, and counterterrorism.
Key Facts
- The Strategic Political and Defense Committee was established under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed on August 7 by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
- The first meeting will take place in Istanbul on August 31, hosted by Turkey.
- Expected attendees include Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and Chief of General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu; Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir; and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, and Chief of General Staff General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili.
- The agenda includes international security issues, enhancing defense capabilities, interoperability among the three armed forces, deepening defense industry cooperation including joint production and R&D, and strengthening joint counterterrorism efforts.
- The meeting is expected to define the framework for a Secretariat and other mechanisms to guide joint activities and set a roadmap for future steps.
Meeting Details
The Strategic Political and Defense Committee, composed of foreign ministers, defense ministers, and chiefs of general staff from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, will convene for the first time on August 31 in Istanbul. Turkey will host the meeting, which aims to provide strategic direction for activities under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement. The committee was established to guide joint defense, defense industry, and counterterrorism cooperation among the three nations.
Agenda and Objectives
The meeting will address international security issues, development of defense capabilities, and enhancement of interoperability among the armed forces of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Discussions will include deepening defense industry cooperation through joint production and research and development, as well as strengthening joint counterterrorism efforts. The committee is expected to define the framework for a Secretariat and other mechanisms to direct work in jointly determined activity areas and set a roadmap for future steps. The meeting is also expected to emphasize that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement offers significant opportunities to all countries that prioritize cooperation-based security, peace, and prosperity over conflict.
Mecca Joint Defense Agreement
The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement was signed on August 7 by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The agreement stipulates that an attack against any of the signatory states will be considered an attack against all parties. It aims to promote security, peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and globally, and to enhance joint deterrence.
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Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to hold first Mekka defense committee meeting in Istanbul Aug 31
