PM Shehbaz Sharif Hails Makkah Defence Pact as a Step Towards Regional Unity

Islamabad, Pakistan Aug 29, 2026 ALN: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday hailed the recent Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan, as a significant step towards enhancing regional unity and security. This agreement, forged during a trilateral summit held in Makkah on August 7, represents a commitment from the three nations to bolster collective security, enhance defence cooperation, and promote peace and stability not only within their borders but also across the broader region.

The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is a pivotal development in the context of regional geopolitics. The pact allows member states to consider any attack against one of them as an attack against all, thereby reinforcing their mutual defense obligations. This collective security mechanism is particularly critical in a region that has historically faced various security challenges, including terrorism, sectarian conflicts, and geopolitical tensions. The agreement is seen as a response to the evolving security landscape in the Middle East, where alliances are shifting and new threats are emerging.

During a meeting with Saudi Minister for Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz emphasized the importance of the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He conveyed his regards to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, reinforcing the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

In his statement, PM Shehbaz stressed the need for both nations to channel their energies towards deepening economic and agricultural ties. He underscored the importance of translating their historical relationship into a stronger trade and investment partnership that would benefit both countries. This call for enhanced economic cooperation comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking to improve its economic stability and growth prospects, particularly through agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia, which is a key market for Pakistani products.

The discussions also touched upon enhancing agricultural productivity in Pakistan through the adoption of technology, research and development, and more efficient water resource management. These topics are particularly relevant given the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity in the region. The Saudi minister expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation, reaffirming Saudi Arabia's commitment to furthering cooperation with Pakistan in the areas of agriculture, water, and food security.

The signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was a significant moment, witnessed by leaders from the three countries, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The agreement is expected to foster a more integrated approach to security in the region, aligning the strategic interests of the three nations and potentially serving as a model for other countries facing similar challenges.

In a related development, Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley met with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters (GHQ). This meeting highlighted the strong military ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with discussions focusing on matters of mutual interest. The COAS reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to reinforcing the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of military collaboration in promoting regional peace and stability.

Furthermore, the Saudi minister commended Pakistan's role in fostering regional stability and expressed a desire to enhance cooperation in agriculture and environmental sustainability. This reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of security and environmental issues, particularly in a region where water scarcity and climate change are pressing concerns.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar engaged in telephone conversations with both Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. These discussions centered on regional developments and issues of mutual interest, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the three nations.

In his conversation with Hakan Fidan, Dar and the Turkish foreign minister exchanged views on the evolving regional situation, discussing common interests and upcoming diplomatic engagements, including the forthcoming meeting of the R4, which is likely to address collaborative efforts in various sectors.

During his separate call with Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Dar congratulated his Saudi counterpart on the election of Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed as the new Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This acknowledgment underscores the importance of multilateral organizations in addressing regional issues and fostering cooperation among Islamic nations.

In conclusion, the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement represents a significant step towards enhancing security cooperation among Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan. As these nations work together to address common challenges, the implications of this pact could extend beyond military cooperation, fostering deeper economic ties and collaborative efforts in areas such as agriculture and environmental sustainability. The ongoing diplomatic engagements and discussions between the countries indicate a commitment to not only strengthening their bilateral relationships but also promoting broader regional stability and unity in a complex geopolitical landscape.