Senior officials from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are meeting in Riyadh on Monday under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement as regional tensions remain high.
The meeting brings together the pact’s Strategic Political and Defence Committee to review security developments and the alliance’s institutional progress.
Turkey is represented by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yaşar Güler and Chief of the General Staff Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu.
Saudi and Pakistani foreign and defence ministers and senior military commanders are also participating in the talks, according to official statements.
The three governments signed the agreement in Mecca on August 7, establishing the principle that an attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all.
The Riyadh agenda is expected to include the conflict in Yemen, Houthi attacks and an Iranian suggestion that the alliance consider political engagement with the group.
Officials will also discuss practical command, consultation and coordination arrangements needed to turn the political commitment into an operational framework.
The meeting highlights Turkey’s expanding security role in the Gulf and its effort to coordinate more closely with two major regional military partners.
Sources: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Reuters; Dawn.
Featured photo: Oualid Lakhrouti/Unsplash.
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
