ISLAMABAD: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday said the tripartite agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye will be known as the “Makkah Defence Alliance,” with its first secretary-general to be appointed from Pakistan.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed earlier this month by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, will now be formally referred to as the Makkah Defence Alliance, marking the pact’s move toward a more institutionalized framework.
Fidan made the announcement while addressing a press conference following the first meeting held under the agreement in Istanbul.
The agreement commits the three countries to mutual defense in the event of an armed attack against any one of them.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar attended the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee, established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, alongside Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, with their Turkish and Saudi counterparts, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
Institutionalized alliance
Fidan said the three countries had begun establishing the alliance’s institutional structure, reiterating that it was based on defense and international principles, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“As of today, we have started the process of establishing the institutional structure of the alliance,” he said.
“There is a secretariat that has been established in Riyadh, and the first secretary-general will be appointed amongst our Pakistani brothers,” Fidan said.
He said the alliance would respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states and refrain from interference in their internal affairs.
“For the future of a secure, stable and prosperous region, this alliance is based on international principles such as respecting the sovereignty of other states, territorial integrity and not intervening in internal affairs,” he said.
Fidan also stressed that the alliance was not directed against any country.
Fidan calls for regional stability
The Turkish foreign minister said the alliance was expected to contribute to greater stability and reduce uncertainty in the region.
“The alliance is expected to contribute to greater regional stability. With this alliance, we will see greater stability gradually emerge in the region and uncertainty diminish,” he said.
Fidan said the alliance remained open to other countries seeking partnership and participation, while noting that prospective members would have to meet established conditions and standards.
He said the alliance was expected to expand.
“The alliance is open for the partnership and participation of any other country,” Fidan said, adding that “there are some conditions, rules and standards.”
Fidan criticizes Netanyahu
Fidan also said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had become a threat to international peace and security, arguing that the issue extended beyond Türkiye and the region.
He said Netanyahu and those acting with him posed a threat to Türkiye as well as broader regional and global security.
“The international system must fight against the Netanyahu threat,” Fidan said.
Efforts towards de-escalation
According to the foreign office, the three countries reiterate their determination to “work together” within the framework of the Makkah Agreement to achieve sustainable peace and stability in their region.
The FO further added that the three countries will continue to support efforts towards de-escalation and restraint to encourage peaceful resolution of crises.
“Today they agreed to take steps to further institutionalize their cooperation within the Makkah Agreement in a manner that would enhance their solidarity, ensure the credibility and effectiveness of
their collective deterrence and defence,” the statement added.
The agreement will contribute to the “regional efforts and cooperative security” towards a just, inclusive and lasting peace.
The FO further said that a Secretariat, headed by a Secretary General, will be established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support their work within the framework of the Makkah Agreement.
The Secretariat will be initially headed by a Secretary General from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for a period of three years.
The Makkah Agreement will also work to strengthen their defense capabilities and cohesion of their armed forces through robust defense industry cooperation, joint technology development and production.
“Through the institutionalized and resolute implementation of the Makkah Agreement, the three countries will provide essential contributions to regional peace and stability,” it added.
Earlier, Dar held a meeting with Fidan in Istanbul, where both sides expressed satisfaction with the continued strengthening and expansion of bilateral relations.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the two sides discussed cooperation in the political, economic, security and cultural domains.
They also welcomed progress under the Pakistan-Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) and agreed on the early convening of its next session.
The two foreign ministers exchanged views on regional and international issues and reaffirmed their commitment to working closely for regional peace and stability.
The Makkah Defence Alliance is aimed at strengthening security, peace, and stability in the region while providing a framework for countries that favor cooperative approaches to security and prioritize peace and prosperity over conflict.