Saudi, Pakistan, Turkiye Deepen Military Cooperation

Saudi, Pakistan and Turkiye Hold Military Talks

The chiefs of staff of the Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani armed forces held talks in Riyadh on Friday to discuss military cooperation and support for Saudi Arabia amid increasing attacks by the Houthis in Yemen.

Three Countries Plan Deeper Defense Cooperation

According to the Saudi Ministry of Defense, the three countries agreed to deepen military and intelligence cooperation. They also discussed improving the integration of defensive capabilities under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed last month.

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Focus on Saudi Security and Sovereignty

The military chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to collective defense and their stated determination to protect Saudi Arabia's security, sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also reviewed the current regional security situation and threats facing the Kingdom.

Officials Discuss Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure

The officials condemned recent attacks that Saudi authorities said had targeted civilian and economic infrastructure, including locations in and around Makkah. The discussions focused on strengthening defensive coordination among the three countries.

Saudi Defense Minister Meets Pakistan Army Chief

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman also met Pakistan's army chief Gen. Asim Munir in Riyadh. The Saudi minister said the two sides discussed the outcomes of the chiefs of staff meeting and continued cooperation under the defense agreement.

Makkah Joint Defence Agreement

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on Aug. 7. The agreement states that an armed attack against one of the three countries would be considered an attack against all three, while also calling for expanded defense cooperation and stronger collective deterrence.

Military Agreement Moves Toward Practical Cooperation

The latest meeting comes as the three countries work to translate their defense commitments into practical military cooperation. The officials said their discussions reflected their defense partnership and their intention to begin implementing the commitments under the agreement.