Pakistan, Türkiye agree to boost defence cooperation

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have taken significant strides to enhance defense collaboration under the Mecca Agreement, as outlined in a joint statement released on August 31, 2026. The Political and Defense Strategic Committee of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement issued the statement following a meeting of the foreign and defense ministers and military chiefs in Istanbul.

The participating nations reaffirmed their dedication to fostering peace and stability in the region, focusing on de-escalation and peaceful resolutions to conflicts within their regional responsibilities. They agreed to take additional measures to institutionalize cooperation under the Mecca Agreement, with the goal of bolstering collective solidarity, improving the reliability and efficiency of joint deterrence and defense, and promoting a fair, comprehensive, and enduring peace in the area.

A key outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a permanent secretariat, overseen by a secretary-general based in Saudi Arabia. The inaugural secretary-general will be from Pakistan and will hold the position for a three-year term. The agreement also emphasized the intention to elevate defense capabilities and the cohesion of the armed forces through joint initiatives, such as cooperation in defense industries and the creation of shared military production and technologies.

The statement highlighted that the institutionalization of the Mecca Agreement would contribute to regional peace and stability, as well as strengthen cooperative security efforts in the region.