Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye are set to enhance their military and intelligence cooperation following a meeting in Riyadh amid rising attacks by Yemen’s Houthi forces targeting Saudi interests. The chiefs of staff from the three nations’ armed forces gathered on Friday to discuss bolstering support for Saudi Arabia and improving coordination as part of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, established in August.
The discussions focused on assessing the regional security landscape and agreeing on steps to integrate defensive capabilities more effectively. The military leaders reiterated their commitment to collective defense and vowed to safeguard Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
This meeting comes in response to an uptick in Houthi attacks on Saudi-linked infrastructure, as well as strikes on shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which have raised broader regional security concerns. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman also held talks with Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, to address the recent hostilities and explore ways to enhance joint defense strategies.
Under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, any armed assault on one of the signatory countries is considered an attack on all, mandating a unified response. The agreement seeks to expand defense collaboration and strengthen collective deterrence.
This latest meeting signifies a concerted effort by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye to operationalize the defense pact into tangible military and security cooperation, amid growing regional tensions and security threats.