Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan announce permanent secretariat, new defense cooperation under Mecca Agreement

The Political and Defense Strategic Committee of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement has issued a joint statement following a meeting of the foreign and defense ministers and military chiefs of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan in Istanbul on August 31, 2026.

The statement reaffirmed the three countries' commitment to working together to achieve peace and stability in the region, supporting de-escalation efforts and peaceful solutions to crises in line with their regional responsibilities.

The participating countries agreed to take further steps to institutionalize cooperation under the Mecca Agreement, aiming to strengthen collective solidarity, enhance the credibility and effectiveness of joint deterrence and defense, and contribute to a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region.

Permanent secretariat to be established, defense cooperation boosted

The statement announced the creation of a secretariat, headed by a secretary-general based in Saudi Arabia, to support the work of the three countries under the agreement. The first secretary-general will be from Pakistan and will serve a three-year term.

The statement also noted that the three countries will enhance their defense capabilities and the cohesion of their armed forces through joint activities, including cooperation in defense industries and the development of shared military production and technologies.

Additionally, the statement emphasized that the institutional implementation of the Mecca Agreement will help support regional peace and stability and strengthen efforts toward achieving cooperative security in the region.