Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan hold their first committee meeting in Istanbul under the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” according to Turkish foreign ministry sources cited by multiple outlets. The meeting brings together top officials from the three countries following the pact’s signing earlier this month.
The agreement is described as aimed at strengthening defense capabilities and improving interoperability among the partners. Officials are expected to discuss collective deterrence and regional security issues. Reuters reporting cited by Al-Monitor frames the accord as coming from concerns among Sunni Muslim U.S. allies about the impact of the Iran war and wider regional conflicts.
Some coverage emphasizes the timing and motivation behind the summit. The Jerusalem Post and Al-Monitor both cite a source indicating the meeting is scheduled for Monday, with concern that the Iran conflict could escalate. Times of India adds that the alliance is designed to remain open to possible expansion if new members join.
