- Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif and Field Marshal Asim Munir to represent Pakistan at high-level meeting in Istanbul
ISLAMABAD: The inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee, established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (Makkah Accord), is scheduled to take place in Istanbul, Türkiye, on August 31, 2026.
Pakistan will be represented at the high-level meeting by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
The meeting will bring together senior political and defence leadership from Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. It will also be attended by the respective foreign ministers, defence ministers and chiefs of general staff of the Republic of Türkiye and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Strengthening Strategic Cooperation
Pakistan’s participation reflects its longstanding bonds of friendship and strategic partnership with Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, while underscoring Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening cooperation among the three brotherly countries.
The Strategic Political and Defence Committee is expected to provide an important platform for consultations on matters of mutual interest, particularly political and defence cooperation, regional security and efforts to promote peace and stability.
The Istanbul meeting comes as the three countries continue to explore avenues for closer coordination in response to evolving regional and international security challenges.
Commitment to Regional Peace and Stability
Pakistan’s participation also highlights its desire to contribute to lasting peace, security and stability in the region.
The country maintains longstanding strategic, political and defence relations with both Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, and has consistently supported greater cooperation among Muslim-majority countries on matters of shared interest.
The inaugural meeting of the committee is therefore expected to mark an important step in institutionalising trilateral consultations and strengthening coordination between the three countries.
The gathering in Istanbul will provide an opportunity for the participating leadership to exchange views on regional developments and explore avenues for enhanced political and defence cooperation.
Pakistan’s presence at the meeting underscores its commitment to deepening its historic partnerships with Türkiye and Saudi Arabia and advancing collective efforts aimed at promoting regional peace, security and stability.
BY: The Times Union
