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Turkish Foreign Minister to Attend Makkah Joint Defence Agreement Committee Meeting in Riyadh
The three countries agreed to provide military forces and capabilities for rapid deployment as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia intensify.
On Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defence Minister Yasar Guler, and Chief of General Staff Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu will attend a committee meeting in Riyadh regarding the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
Founded in August by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, the alliance aims to strengthen security through collective deterrence; the Strategic Political and Defence Committee guides the agreement's activities.
Fidan is expected to reaffirm solidarity with Saudi Arabia regarding recent Houthi attacks targeting holy sites, while the committee will discuss Iran's suggestion to engage the Houthis politically.
"The meeting will address recent developments in the region and the stage reached in the Alliance's institutionalisation efforts," a Turkish statement noted; officials plan to establish the secretariat in Riyadh soon.
Reflecting a shared strategic vision among the three countries to develop regional solutions, delegates will express views on collective security and lasting regional stability, including protecting international trade routes.
Pakistan and Turkey, within the framework of the Mekong Defence Agreement, have agreed with Saudi Arabia to deploy military forces to the territory of the Kingdom to ensure its security.
RIAD, 05 OCT - Turkey and Pakistan, linked to Saudi Arabia by a mutual defence pact, announced in a joint statement the sending of military forces to the Kingdom, target of regular attacks by Yemen's Houthi fighters. (ANSA)