Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to hold first defence pact meeting
Turkiye will host the first ministerial meeting of a new regional defense grouping with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Monday in Istanbul. The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed earlier this month, commits the three countries to mutual defense in case of attack. This pact emerges amidst heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, and ongoing attacks by Tehran-backed Houthi rebels in the region. The meeting will establish a 'political and defence strategic committee' involving Foreign and Defence Ministers and military chiefs, uniting NATO's second-largest army (Turkiye) with the Islamic world's only nuclear-armed state (Pakistan) and a leading Gulf power (Saudi Arabia).
Key Points
- Turkiye will host the first ministerial meeting of a new regional defense grouping with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
- The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement commits the three nations to mutual defense.
- The pact is formed against the backdrop of US-Iran tensions and Houthi rebel attacks in the region.
- A 'political and defence strategic committee' will be established, involving Foreign and Defence Ministers and military chiefs.
- The alliance unites Turkiye (NATO's second-largest army), Pakistan (nuclear-armed state), and Saudi Arabia (leading Gulf power).
Exam Facts
- The meeting will be held in Istanbul on Monday.
- The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement was signed earlier this month.
- Pakistan's delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
- Saudi Arabia's delegation will include its Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, and Chief of the General Staff.
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