Mecca Agreement Discusses Activating Joint Defense Following Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia
On Friday, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan discussed the ongoing arrangements for an urgent meeting of the three countries' chiefs of staff to explore ways to support the Kingdom within the framework of the "Mecca Joint Defense Agreement".
The Saudi Press Agency reported that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a meeting in New York with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, as part of the agreement.
During the meeting, the ministers reviewed the progress made in establishing the General Secretariat, committees, and working groups stemming from the agreement, and the preparations for them to commence their work.
The ministers condemned what they described as the "sinful attacks" that targeted Mecca and civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia, praising the capabilities of the Saudi Armed Forces in defending the Kingdom's security.
They affirmed Saudi Arabia's right to take measures it deems appropriate to defend its security, based on Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The meeting also discussed the current situation in the region, where the ministers stressed the importance of respecting international law, good neighborliness, the sovereignty of states, and non-interference in their internal affairs, in addition to ensuring the security and freedom of maritime navigation.
The ministers affirmed their commitment to continue working towards achieving peace and stability in the region, and to support efforts aimed at de-escalation and reaching peaceful solutions to existing crises.
Source: SPA
