Field Marshal Asim Munir holds key meetings in Turkiye to strengthen defence ties

Field Marshal Asim Munir also participated in the meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee established under the Makkah Agreement for Joint Defence. The Monday meeting in Istanbul brought together senior foreign and defence officials as well as military chiefs from Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia.

The three countries reviewed ways to further strengthen strategic coordination and defence cooperation under the agreement. The trilateral engagement came as the three countries move towards greater institutionalisation of their cooperation.

Under a joint statement issued after the meeting, Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia agreed to establish a Secretariat in Saudi Arabia, headed initially by a Secretary General from Pakistan for a three-year term. Defence cooperation.

The three countries also agreed to strengthen their defence capabilities and the cohesion of their armed forces through joint activities, with defence industry cooperation, joint technology development and production identified as key areas for closer collaboration.

ISPR said Field Marshal Asim Munir’s meetings in Turkiye and participation in the trilateral committee reflected the close fraternal ties between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, as well as growing strategic and defence cooperation among the three countries.

The Istanbul engagements also formed part of broader efforts under the Makkah Agreement to enhance collective deterrence and defence while supporting regional security, de-escalation and efforts towards a just, inclusive and lasting peace.