Today is the first Makkah Accord conference between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey in Istanbul.

On Monday (today), Istanbul, Turkey will host the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee, which was established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (Makkah Accord).

Pakistan will be represented at the meeting by Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

The foreign ministers, defence ministers, and chiefs of general staff of Saudi Arabia and Turkey will also be present, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Pakistan’s involvement is a reflection of its long-standing friendship with Saudi Arabia and Turkey as well as its aspiration for enduring peace and security in the area.

In the meantime, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has travelled to Turkiye to take part in the first high-level gathering of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

With the three nations working to improve defence coordination in accordance with the agreement they struck earlier this month, the visit takes place at a critical moment for regional security.

Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit is intended to further deepen defence and strategic collaboration between Pakistan and Turkiye, according to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

He is anticipated to have significant discussions with Turkish military and political authorities during his visit to discuss bilateral defence cooperation, regional security, and issues of shared interest.