The foreign ministers of Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan held talks on 25 September 2026 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York under the framework of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA), according to a press release issued by Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting brought together Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The three reviewed progress made towards establishing the MJDA's General Secretariat, as well as its committees and working groups, and preparations for the commencement of their work.
Turkey's Foreign Ministry said the ministers condemned in the strongest terms what it described as heinous attacks targeting the Holy City of Makkah and civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia. According to the ministry, the ministers commended the vigilance of the Saudi Armed Forces and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's right to take such measures as it deems appropriate to defend its security, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
The three also discussed plans to convene an urgent meeting of the chiefs of staff of the three countries to explore ways to assist Saudi Arabia under the agreement, which, according to the ministry's statement, stipulates that an attack against any one of its parties shall be considered an attack against all parties.
On broader regional matters, the ministers underscored the importance of upholding international law, good neighbourliness, mutual respect for state sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs, as well as ensuring the security and freedom of navigation. They reiterated their determination to work together towards sustainable peace and stability in the region, support de-escalation efforts, and encourage peaceful resolution to crises.
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