Amid increasing security challenges from Yemen’s Houthi forces, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye have agreed to bolster military and intelligence cooperation. This decision emerged from a meeting of the chiefs of staff of the three nations’ armed forces in Riyadh, where they discussed strategies to support Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August.
During the discussions, military officials emphasized the importance of enhancing defensive capabilities and reaffirmed their commitment to collective defense to safeguard Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. This cooperation comes in response to the escalating attacks by Houthi forces on Saudi interests and infrastructure, as well as assaults on shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which have raised broader regional security concerns.
The meeting underscored the countries’ resolve to translate the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement into practical military and security collaboration. This agreement stipulates that an armed attack on any of the three countries will be treated as an attack on all, promoting expanded defense cooperation and a stronger collective deterrence framework.
Separate discussions between Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, further focused on the recent Houthi attacks and measures to enhance joint defense efforts. These talks reflect a unified approach towards addressing the ongoing threats and ensuring regional stability through strengthened military alliances.