JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has praised the landmark defence partnership between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, saying enhanced cooperation among the three countries will contribute to regional peace, security and long-term stability.
Chairing a Cabinet meeting in Jeddah, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed appreciation to Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for their efforts in convening the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit for Joint Defence.
King Salman said the summit reaffirmed the deep-rooted historical relations among the three countries and demonstrated their shared commitment to strengthening brotherhood, Islamic solidarity and common strategic interests.
Long-term defence cooperation
The Saudi Cabinet praised the summit’s establishment of a framework for a long-term defence partnership designed to strengthen cooperation, coordination and integration between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye.
The partnership will also support joint efforts to address regional challenges and contribute to international security and stability while promoting a more prosperous future for the region.
The three countries maintain strong political and strategic relations, and the latest framework provides a platform for expanding their cooperation in defence and regional security.
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During the meeting, the Cabinet also reviewed regional and international developments and Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic engagement with friendly countries.
It highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to promote de-escalation, diplomatic solutions, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and the security of strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.
Saudi Arabia highlights global engagement
The Cabinet welcomed a UN Security Council statement condemning Houthi attacks threatening regional security and maritime navigation, while reiterating Saudi Arabia’s support for UN-led efforts to achieve peace and stability in Yemen.
It also reaffirmed support for the Palestinian people and rejected attempts to alter the legal and historical status of Jerusalem.
The Cabinet highlighted Riyadh’s upcoming hosting of the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence as reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to responsible AI and international cooperation.
It also praised Saudi students’ achievements at the International Nuclear Science Olympiad as evidence of the Kingdom’s growing emphasis on science and talent development under Saudi Vision 2030.
The Cabinet additionally approved or authorised cooperation initiatives with Mozambique, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Japan and Thailand in areas including health, auditing, logistics, space and Halal affairs.
