Pakistan, Turkiye agree to ‘rapid deployment of forces’ in Saudi Arabia

Pakistan and Turkiye on Monday agreed to ensure the rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA), following an emergency meeting in Riyadh.

The decision was taken by the Strategic-Political and Defence Committee (SPDC) of the alliance as it reviewed security developments and threats facing the kingdom, according to a joint statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The Committee decided to move immediately to the practical implementation of the collective defence commitments and to take the necessary measures to provide the agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in the Kingdom,” the statement said.

It added that the deployment would take place in accordance with approved arrangements and the national legislation of the three countries.

The move is intended to enhance military readiness, integration and the collective capacity of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye to confront threats, the statement said.

Alliance endorses nomination of first secretary-general

The meeting endorsed the nomination of Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood (Retd), Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), as the first secretary-general of the alliance. The parties welcomed his appointment and expressed confidence in his contribution to advancing the alliance and achieving its objectives.

Pakistan’s delegation to the emergency meeting included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

The foreign ministry said the three countries also exchanged views on the latest regional developments and expressed their resolve to work closely for regional peace and stability.

Pakistan expressed its “unwavering solidarity” with Saudi Arabia and its full support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. It also reiterated its commitment to making all efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

The committee reviewed the outcomes of political and military consultations held ahead of the meeting and approved the recommendations submitted to it.

It reaffirmed that the alliance represents a commitment to collective defence and a unified position in confronting threats.

Strong condemnation of attacks on Makkah, Madina

The three countries condemned what the statement described as the attempted targeting of Makkah and Madina, as well as continuing attacks targeting cities and civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia.

They reaffirmed their “unequivocal rejection” of any attack or threat against the kingdom’s security and territorial integrity.

Pakistan and Turkiye also commended the vigilance and readiness of the Saudi Armed Forces, along with what they described as their professionalism and competence in countering the threats and attacks facing the kingdom.

The parties said the security of each country was an integral part of the collective security of the three states.

They said translating the Makkah agreement into practical measures would demonstrate the credibility of their commitment to collective defence, strengthen deterrence and reaffirm their unity and determination to defend their security, sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the agreement.

What is the Makkah pact?

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the Makkah agreement on August 7, under which an armed attack against any one of the three countries is to be treated as an attack against all.

The agreement seeks to strengthen collective deterrence and deepen security cooperation among the three countries.

Monday’s emergency meeting came a day after the leader of Yemen’s Saudi-backed government announced a military offensive aimed at seizing territory controlled by Houthis.