RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir have condemned attacks targeting the holy city of Makkah, as well as civilian and economic infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
The two officials discussed the attacks during a meeting in Riyadh focused on security cooperation and continued coordination under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The meeting followed a gathering of defence chiefs and chiefs of general staff from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, who reviewed security threats facing the Kingdom and reaffirmed their commitment to collective defence.
Both officials praised the outcome of the meeting of defence chiefs from the countries party to the agreement and stressed the need to continue joint efforts to address security challenges under the framework.
Strengthening defence coordination
The talks were attended by senior Saudi officials, including Minister of State and National Security Adviser Dr Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Chief of the General Staff General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, and Adviser to the Defence Minister for Intelligence Affairs Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif.
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The meeting comes as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continue discussions on strengthening defence cooperation and coordination. Earlier discussions between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye also focused on arrangements for closer cooperation under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
The agreement provides a framework for cooperation among the three countries, with officials discussing mechanisms to enhance coordination and defence capabilities.
Focus on regional stability
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained longstanding defence and diplomatic ties, with both sides regularly engaging on matters related to regional security and stability.
Recent consultations have included discussions on protecting civilian and economic infrastructure and supporting efforts aimed at maintaining regional peace.
The Riyadh meeting reflects continued engagement between the two countries’ defence leadership as they work through existing cooperation mechanisms and address regional security developments.
