Pakistan Turkey Saudi Arabia defence committee meets in Riyadh next week

Committee members prepare for talks

The Strategic Political Defence Committee includes foreign ministers, defence ministers and chiefs of army staff from the three nations. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that principals are almost ready to convene in Riyadh soon. The committee will examine current ground realities and security developments specifically affecting Saudi Arabia.

Previous military chief meeting held

A special gathering of the three army chiefs took place in Riyadh on September 25. Foreign ministers previously met in New York before agreeing to hold the full committee session. The agreement signed on August 7 allows member states to treat an attack against one as an attack against all.

Potential new members join later

More than six other countries have expressed interest in joining the defensive pact. New members cannot be considered until the secretariat becomes fully operational within a year. Any decision on membership will be taken jointly by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.