Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye are holding high-level talks in Riyadh amid rising regional security tensions.
The Strategic Political and Defence Committee meeting is taking place under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
The latest Defence Talks are expected to focus on regional developments and the escalating conflict involving Yemen’s Houthis.
Senior officials from all three countries are attending the meeting. Pakistan’s delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is also part of the delegation. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif is attending alongside other Pakistani officials, according to the Foreign Office.
Their Saudi and Turkish counterparts are also expected to participate.
Regional Tensions Dominate Defence Talks
The meeting comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
According to the provided information, Yemen’s Saudi-backed government launched a major offensive against the Houthis on Sunday.
The operation seeks to regain territory recently captured by the group.
Areas around the strategically important Red Sea corridor are also part of the ongoing conflict. The Houthis have claimed attacks against Saudi targets using ballistic missiles and drones.
These reportedly included an Aramco facility near Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia has meanwhile intensified strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen.
A reported attack on a power facility in Madinah has further increased regional concerns. The facility supplies electricity to the Prophet’s Mosque.
However, the Houthis have denied responsibility for that reported attack.
Iran Proposal Could Be Discussed
The Riyadh Defence Talks will also review cooperation under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
Ishaq Dar earlier said Iran’s suggestion for political engagement with the Houthis could also be considered.
Pakistan has continued to support dialogue and restraint alongside its security commitments to Saudi Arabia.
Makkah Agreement Strengthens Defence Cooperation
According to the reference material, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, 2026.
The agreement created a framework for stronger collective defence and deterrence. Under the pact, an armed attack against one member is regarded as an attack against all three.
The first Strategic Political and Defence Committee meeting was held in Istanbul on August 31.
The three countries agreed there to further institutionalise their defence cooperation. A permanent secretariat is also being established in Saudi Arabia.
It will initially be led by a Pakistani secretary general for three years.
The latest Defence Talks in Riyadh come as the three countries assess rapidly changing regional security conditions.
Pakistan has repeatedly reaffirmed support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security.
In other news read more about: Saudi Forces Reject Houthi Claim of Aramco Attack as Propaganda
Islamabad has also called for restraint, dialogue and peaceful solutions to regional conflicts.
