Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye promise to strengthen defence ties following Makkah attacks

Senior military commanders from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to boost defence cooperation and intelligence sharing after attacks on the holy city of Makkah and against Saudi civilian and economic facilities, Pakistan’s military said on Friday.

According to a statement of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting of the heads of defence forces and chiefs of general staff of the nations party to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was conducted in Riyadh on Friday.

The commanders discussed the security situation and challenges facing Saudi Arabia and “strongly condemned” the attacks targeting Makkah and civilian and commercial facilities, the statement said.

They also lauded the Saudi military forces for their vigilance and professionalism in protecting citizens and securing the kingdom’s security.

The three countries reviewed measures to enhance their armed forces’ collaboration, including intelligence sharing, military coordination and integration of military assets, the ISPR said.

They also reaffirmed long-standing connections and mutual trust between the three countries, saying the Riyadh meeting was a reflection of the strength of their defence alliance.

According to the release, they pledged to translate the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement into “effective military cooperation”.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to collective defence and their will to safeguard the security and sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia.