The first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement took place in Istanbul.
Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia issued a joint statement after the meeting.
Foreign and defence ministers from all three countries attended the session.
The chiefs of their armed forces also took part.
The three countries reaffirmed their commitment to working together for lasting peace and stability in the region.
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Support for Peaceful Solutions
The joint statement said the three countries will continue to support efforts to reduce tensions.
They will also encourage restraint and peaceful solutions to regional crises.
At the same time, Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to strengthen cooperation under the Makkah agreement.
The countries will also give the alliance a stronger institutional structure.
Focus on Collective Defence
The three countries agreed to take steps to strengthen collective defence.
They will also work to improve the credibility and effectiveness of their deterrence capabilities.
The move aims to improve coordination between the three countries.
It also seeks to strengthen their ability to respond to shared security challenges.
Secretariat to Be Established in Saudi Arabia
The joint statement announced a major institutional decision.
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A permanent secretariat will be established in Saudi Arabia under the leadership of a secretary general.
Initially, Pakistan will provide the secretary general for the alliance.
The secretary general will serve a three-year term.
The new secretariat will help coordinate the alliance’s activities.
It will also support the implementation of decisions taken by the Strategic Political and Defence Committee.
Alliance Moves Toward Permanent Structure
The Istanbul meeting marks another important step in implementing the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
Previously, the three countries agreed to build an institutional framework for their defence cooperation.
Now, the decision to establish a secretariat provides the alliance with a permanent administrative structure.
Furthermore, the appointment of a Pakistani secretary general gives Pakistan an important role in the alliance’s early institutional development.
The three countries are expected to continue consultations on the secretariat and other mechanisms in the coming period.
