Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye have committed to enhancing their military and intelligence cooperation in response to increased attacks from Yemen’s Houthi forces. In a meeting held in Riyadh on Friday, the chiefs of staff from the three countries discussed strategies to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s defense mechanisms and improve coordination under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which was signed in August.
The military officials assessed the current regional security dynamics and agreed to integrate their defensive capabilities further. They reiterated their commitment to collective defense, emphasizing the protection of Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The discussions come amid a surge in Houthi attacks targeting Saudi-associated interests and infrastructure, as well as threats to maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman also held a separate meeting with Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, focusing on the recent attacks against Saudi targets and exploring ways to bolster joint defense measures. This collaboration aims to address the rising security threats in the region effectively.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement stipulates that any armed attack against one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack on all, promoting expanded defense cooperation and stronger collective deterrence. The recent meeting marks a significant step towards translating this agreement into practical military and security actions.