Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye Begin Defence Pact Talks in Istanbul
ISTANBUL: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are moving ahead with the implementation of their joint defence agreement as the three countries prepare to hold their first follow-up meeting in Istanbul.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir have arrived in Türkiye for the high-level engagements.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the Istanbul meeting will focus on reviewing the framework of the defence agreement signed in Makkah and assessing progress made since the pact was concluded.
The trilateral defence arrangement is being followed as an important development in strategic cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The Istanbul meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for the three sides to discuss the agreement’s implementation and future areas of cooperation.
Upon his arrival in Istanbul, Ishaq Dar was received by senior Turkish officials, including Brigadier General Şenol Varol, Türkiye’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Administrative Affairs, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Dr Yousaf Junaid and Turkish Foreign Ministry Ambassador Cihad Erginay.
Dar later visited the mausoleum of Hazrat Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (RA), where he offered Fateha and prayed for the peace, security and prosperity of Pakistan and its people. He also prayed for unity among the Muslim Ummah.
During his official visit, the deputy prime minister and foreign minister is scheduled to hold important meetings and participate in other engagements.
Field Marshal Asim Munir has also reached Türkiye on an official visit. He is expected to hold a series of high-level meetings during his stay.
The Istanbul talks mark the first major follow-up engagement under the defence agreement reached by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in Makkah, highlighting the three countries’ intention to strengthen coordination and deepen their strategic partnership.