RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have moved to implement their Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, agreeing to take measures for the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia amid continuing security threats. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the Makkah Alliance for Defense in Riyadh on October 5. The three countries agreed to begin the practical implementation of their collective defence commitments, with any deployment to follow approved arrangements and the national laws of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye. The move is intended to strengthen military readiness, coordination and integration among the three armed forces.The countries also condemned reported attempts to target Makkah and Madinah, along with attacks on Saudi cities and civilian and economic facilities. They reaffirmed that the security of each member is an integral part of the collective security of the three countries. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed on August 7, provides that an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be regarded as an attack against all three. The agreement was presented by Pakistan as a defensive arrangement aimed at strengthening collective deterrence and defence cooperation. The October 5 meeting also appointed Pakistan’s retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as the first Secretary-General of the Makkah Alliance for Defense for a three-year term. The countries said implementing the agreement would enhance their collective ability to respond to security threats. The pact comes as Saudi Arabia faces continuing security threats and attacks, including those attributed by Saudi authorities to Houthi forces. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye had earlier held consultations in Istanbul and Riyadh to establish mechanisms for implementing the defence agreement.
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