Saudi Cabinet Highlights Pivotal Role of Makkah Agreement States in Promoting Regional Security

October 27, 2026 at 6:19 PM
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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to regional and international security while highlighting the pivotal role of the Makkah Agreement states in ensuring regional security and stability.

The Cabinet session, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, reviewed the points discussed during Monday’s talks in Tehran between senior Iranian officials and countries party to the Makkah Agreement, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The cabinet also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for mediation efforts by Pakistan and Qatar to de-escalate tensions, as well as for all endeavours aimed at achieving peace.

Makkah Accord allies to continue peace talks with Iran

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Iran on Monday agreed to continue a four-way dialogue on regional peace and security following an unprecedented meeting of senior military, defence and intelligence officials in Tehran.

A joint statement from the Iranian side said the four countries agreed to maintain dialogue to strengthen regional cooperation, including on peace and security.

Keeping the channel open brings Iran into direct consultations with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, which signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August.

ALSO READ: Makkah Accord Allies to Continue Peace Talks with Iran

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Türkiye’s intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin, travelled to Tehran for talks with senior Iranian officials.

In a separate statement, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the visit formed part of efforts by the countries party to the Makkah agreement to reduce tensions, promote dialogue and diplomatic solutions, and support mediation efforts by Pakistan and Qatar.

Riyadh said it hoped the parties concerned would respond positively and practically to the outcome of the Tehran meeting and the wider mediation efforts.

The ministry also stressed the importance of opening negotiating channels to prevent a return to military escalation and pave the way for an agreement that could bring the crisis to an end.

Saudi Cabinet Stresses Pivotal Role of Makkah Agreement States in Promoting Regional Security

Saudi cabinet denounces Houthi attacks

In his statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said the Cabinet commended the advanced capabilities of the air defence systems and their success in thwarting the Houthis’ repeated attempts to target Makkah, Madinah, and a number of Saudi cities and facilities.

The Cabinet condemned these attacks as a grave aggression against the Kingdom’s sovereignty and the sanctity of Islamic holy sites, and a flagrant provocation to Muslims worldwide, affirming the Kingdom’s legitimate right to defend with full resolve the security of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, as well as the country’s citizens and residents.

At the outset of the session, the Crown Prince briefed the Cabinet on his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and the outcomes of his official talks with the Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which underscored the strength of the historic relations between the two countries and their shared commitment to enhancing cooperation across various fields.

The Cabinet commended the increase in the localisation rate of military spending in the Kingdom, which reached 27.3% by the end of 2025, surpassing the annual target of 24%, with local content rising to 40.9%.

This reflects robust national capabilities and supports integrated public-private efforts, advancing steadily toward the goal of localising more than 50% of total military spending by 2030.

The Cabinet also reviewed government performance indicators and progress in administration, governance and institutional excellence.

It praised the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development for receiving an international award from the Project Management Institute, outperforming 53 entities from 28 countries.

The award recognised the ministry’s efforts to improve the implementation of initiatives, achieve targets and align them with national priorities.

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