Amid escalating attacks by Yemen’s Houthi forces against Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye have decided to enhance their military and intelligence cooperation. On Friday, the chiefs of staff of the armed forces from these three nations convened in Riyadh to discuss bolstering support for Saudi Arabia and improving coordination as part of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which was signed in August.
The meeting focused on reviewing the regional security situation and the integration of defensive capabilities. The military officials reaffirmed their commitment to collective defense, emphasizing the importance of protecting Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. These discussions occurred in the context of increased Houthi attacks targeting Saudi-linked interests and infrastructure, as well as attacks against shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which have heightened regional security concerns.
In a separate engagement, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met with Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, to discuss the recent attacks against Saudi Arabia and explore methods to strengthen joint defense measures. These discussions are part of ongoing efforts to translate the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement into actionable military and security cooperation.
According to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, an armed attack against any of the three countries—Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, or Türkiye—will be regarded as an attack against all. The agreement stipulates expanded defense cooperation and aims to foster stronger collective deterrence among the signatory nations.
The recent meeting marks a significant step towards operationalizing the defense agreement, with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye aiming to establish a more cohesive and integrated approach to regional security challenges. This collaborative effort underscores the strategic importance of maintaining stability and security within the region, especially in light of the ongoing threats posed by Houthi forces.