By The South Asia Times

ISTANBUL - Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan have agreed to strengthen defence cooperation and institutionalize their strategic partnership under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, following a high-level meeting in Istanbul.

Foreign ministers, defence ministers, defence force commanders and chiefs of general staff from the three countries met on Monday for the inaugural session of the Strategic Political Defence Committee established under the agreement, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting.

The three countries reaffirmed their commitment to working together to promote lasting peace and stability in the region, while supporting efforts aimed at de-escalation, restraint and the peaceful resolution of regional crises.

The three governments agreed to take further measures to institutionalize their cooperation under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, saying the steps would strengthen solidarity among the three countries and enhance the credibility and effectiveness of their collective deterrence and defence.

The agreement also seeks to contribute to wider regional security efforts aimed at achieving what the three countries described as a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.

A major decision from the Istanbul meeting was the establishment of a permanent secretariat in Saudi Arabia to support cooperation under the Makkah agreement.

The secretariat will be headed by a secretary-general. During its initial phase, the position will be held by a Pakistani official for a three-year term, according to the joint statement.

The three countries also agreed to expand cooperation in defence industries and technology.

Under the agreement, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan will pursue joint activities designed to strengthen their defence capabilities and improve the cohesion of their armed forces. The cooperation will include defence industrial collaboration, joint production and the development of technologies.

The three governments said these measures would give practical and institutional substance to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and allow the three countries to make a greater contribution to regional peace and stability.

The Istanbul meeting brought together the senior diplomatic and military leadership of the three countries, highlighting the strategic importance they attach to the agreement.

For Pakistan, the new framework provides an opportunity to deepen defence-industrial cooperation with two important partners, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. Türkiye has developed a significant defence industry and has expanded its military-industrial cooperation with Pakistan in recent years, while Saudi Arabia remains a key security and economic partner for Islamabad.

The creation of the Saudi-based secretariat is also expected to provide a permanent mechanism for coordinating activities and implementing decisions taken under the agreement.

The three countries said that through the institutional and substantive implementation of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, they would seek to enhance their collective cooperation while contributing to broader efforts for regional security, stability and peace.