Saudi Arabia hails outcomes of Istanbul meet as key to collective deterrence and defense

The Saudi Council of Ministers welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, held in Istanbul, as crucial to collective defense and deterrence. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman presided over the Jeddah Cabinet meeting. The committee's first meeting resulted in plans to form a General Secretariat in Saudi Arabia and strengthen joint cooperation mechanisms, with the aim of improving coordination and integration, ensuring effective deterrence, and supporting international security and regional efforts for lasting peace.

The ministers reviewed recent dialogues with various countries, including a note from Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The Saudi Media Ministry stressed Saudi Arabia's continued backing for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in serving Islamic interests and promoting peace and stability. The ministers praised Saudi Arabia's global involvement, including 21 cities being recognized by the WHO as healthy cities.

The ministers also celebrated the National Greening Program's UN award for World Restoration Flagships and Saudi Arabia's re-election as Chair of the Arab Administrative Development Organization, demonstrating their leading role in joint Arab initiatives and human resource development.