Military Leaders of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye Commit to Strengthening Makkah Defence Pact

Senior military officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye convened in Riyadh on Friday to affirm their commitment to the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance (MJDA), agreeing to promptly put the pact's defence agreements into action. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that the meeting involved discussion of the current security landscape and threats facing Saudi Arabia.

The chiefs of defence and general staff from the three nations condemned attacks on the holy city of Makkah and on civilian and economic infrastructure. They commended the Saudi Armed Forces for their responses in safeguarding the kingdom and its citizens.

The participants explored avenues to boost military cooperation through intelligence sharing, enhanced coordination, and the integration of their defence capacities. They stressed the importance of deterrence and a unified defence posture.

During the meeting, the military leaders highlighted the enduring relationships and trust among their countries, describing the session as a reflection of their robust defence alliance. They reiterated their dedication to collective defence and safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia.

The MJDA, originally signed during the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit in August 2026, stipulates that an armed attack on one signatory would be considered an attack on all three. The agreement outlines provisions for joint military exercises, coordinated defence efforts, and establishes political and military mechanisms involving defence and foreign ministers alongside military chiefs.

It was noted that the pact was renamed the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance after the first meeting of its Strategic Political and Defence Committee in Istanbul on August 31. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that the alliance’s secretariat would be set up in Riyadh, with the first secretary general—retired Pakistani Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood—appointed by Pakistan.

Officials also mentioned the prospect of expanding the alliance. Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus suggested the MJDA could evolve into a wider security platform for Muslim-majority countries, possibly including Iran. He clarified that the agreement was not designed to oppose Iran. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed support for Iran’s participation in a broader regional security framework aimed at promoting regional stability.