Pakistan, KSA, Türkiye review progress on Makkah Joint Defence Agreement

WEB DESK -- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have reviewed progress towards establishing the institutional structures, including the General Secretariat, under Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

This came at a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York, under the framework of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

The Ministers condemned in the strongest terms the heinous attacks targeting the Holy City of Makkah and civilian and economic facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

They commended the vigilance of the Saudi Armed Forces and their ability to defend the Kingdom's security. They reaffirmed the Kingdom's right to take such measures as it deems appropriate to defend its security, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.

The Ministers also discussed plans to convene an urgent meeting of the chiefs of staff of the three countries to explore ways to assist the Kingdom under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which stipulates that an attack against any one of its parties shall be considered an attack against all parties.

The Ministers further discussed the current situation in the region. They underscored the importance of upholding the principles of international law, good neighborliness, mutual respect for the sovereignty of states, and non-interference in their internal affairs, as well as ensuring the security and freedom of navigation.

They reiterated their determination to work together towards achieving sustainable peace and stability in the region, support efforts towards de-escalation and encourage peaceful resolution to crises.