Mecca Defense Alliance decides on immediate transition to practical implementation of joint defense commitments

Riyadh, Oct 5 (KUNA) -- The Mecca Defense Pact decided today, Monday, to immediately move to the practical implementation of its collective defense commitments, during an emergency meeting of the Pact’s Political and Defense Strategic Committee convened by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Turkey in Riyadh to discuss security developments and threats facing Saudi Arabia.

A joint statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Defense said the committee decided to immediately proceed with the practical implementation of collective defense commitments and to take necessary measures to provide the agreed-upon forces and military capabilities and expedite their deployment in the Kingdom in accordance with approved arrangements and the national legislations of the state parties, thereby enhancing readiness, military integration, and collective capacity to confront and counter threats.

It added that, as part of the institutional development of the Mecca Defense Pact, the committee appointed retired Lieutenant General Noman Mahmood of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as the first Secretary-General for a term of three years.

The state parties strongly condemned the attempt to target Makkah al-Mukarramah and Madinah al-Munawwarah, as well as the continued attacks targeting cities and civilian and economic facilities in the Kingdom, reaffirming their firm rejection of any aggression or threat to the security and territorial integrity of the Kingdom.

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Turkey praised the vigilance and readiness of the Saudi Armed Forces, as well as the professional performance and high competence demonstrated in confronting threats and attacks facing the Kingdom and safeguarding its security and territorial integrity.

According to the statement, the committee reviewed the outcomes of the political and military consultations that preceded the meeting and approved the recommendations submitted to it, emphasizing that the Mecca Defense Pact embodies a firm commitment to collective defense and a unified stance in the face of threats.

The state parties affirmed that the security of each state party is an integral part of the collective security of the three countries, and that translating the Mecca Collective Defense Agreement into practical measures demonstrates credibility in the commitment to collective defense, enhances the effectiveness of deterrence, and underscores the unity of the three countries and their resolve to defend their security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. (End) K.N.S./M.A.H.A.