Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye have committed to enhancing military and intelligence cooperation in response to escalating attacks by Yemen’s Houthi forces on Saudi Arabia. On Friday, the chiefs of staff from the three nations met in Riyadh to discuss strategies for bolstering Saudi Arabia’s defense mechanisms and improving collaborative efforts under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which was signed in August.
During the meeting, military officials assessed the regional security situation and agreed to work towards better integration of their defensive capabilities. They also underscored their dedication to collective defense and the safeguarding of Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The talks were prompted by increased Houthi aggression targeting Saudi interests and infrastructure, with attacks also impacting shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, thus raising broader regional security concerns.
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman separately held discussions with Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, focusing on the recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and exploring measures to fortify joint defense efforts. This bilateral conversation complements the broader trilateral commitment to enhanced military cooperation.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement stipulates that an armed attack on any of the three countries will be considered an attack on all, advocating for expanded defense collaboration and robust collective deterrence. The recent meeting in Riyadh represents a step towards translating this agreement into actionable military and security cooperation among the nations involved.
