Pakistani Defense Minister: Next Meeting of the Mecca Agreement Committee to Discuss Membership Expansion Measures - Sarmad

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that the next meeting of the “Mecca Agreement for Joint Defense” will be held in October to discuss membership procedures and future expansion, noting that friendly countries have expressed interest in joining the agreement.

Asif added, in statements to journalists at the Pakistani parliament, that the upcoming meeting will discuss the alliance’s organizational structure and leadership, as well as procedures for new members to join the founding countries: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey.

He noted that the first meeting of the agreement’s Strategic Political and Defense Committee, held in Istanbul, featured detailed consultations on the structure of the defense agreement, the location of the General Secretariat, and the officials who would be part of the organization.

He added that the meeting discussed the establishment of a General Secretariat and the structure of offices under the Secretary-General, pointing out that the selection of the Secretary-General and the broader organizational structure are still under consideration.

He mentioned that the next meeting might be held in Pakistan, but noted that the venue has not yet been finalized, and the final decision will be made through consultation among the agreement’s member states.

The Pakistani Defense Minister clarified that final decisions on the structure and other key issues will be taken by the leadership of the three countries.