Amid rising tensions and a surge in Houthi attacks on Saudi soil, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye are set to convene in Riyadh next week to assess the developing security situation. The meeting will mark a gathering of their joint defense committee, a collaboration forged under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement signed in August. This agreement stipulates that an armed attack against one member country is considered an attack against all three.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that the meeting will focus on reviewing recent security challenges and mapping out future steps. The talks follow a series of aggressive actions attributed to the Houthis, which have targeted Saudi territory and regional shipping lanes. Saudi authorities have been vocal in attributing these incidents to the group, amplifying security concerns among the involved nations.
In recent months, the frequency and intensity of the attacks have escalated, prompting a coordinated response from the three countries. The upcoming meeting builds on prior discussions held among the foreign ministers and military chiefs of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, highlighting the urgency of addressing regional security threats.
Minister Dar emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to employing diplomatic methods to ease regional tensions. He underscored the importance of integrating political engagement alongside security measures, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to a balanced approach in resolving the ongoing crisis.
