Regional defence cooperation: Dar launches extensive diplomatic push

ISLAMABAD: Following the signing of the historic trilateral Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on August 7, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, launched an extensive diplomatic push bridging regional defence cooperation with global multilateral outreach.

He engaged in strategic bilateral consultations with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and the Foreign Minister of Kuwait. The DPM Dar also discussed the regional developments with Congo President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson stated on Monday.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

They discussed matters of mutual interest, including multilateral cooperation and regional developments, and underscored the importance of continued close coordination and cooperation, both bilaterally and at multilateral forums.

Dar also held discussions with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

FM Jarrah felicitated the DPM/FM on the recent signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The two also exchanged views on the regional situation, including Occupied East Jerusalem.

They discussed Pakistan-Kuwait bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest, including follow-up to FM Jarrah’s recent visit to Pakistan and further enhancement in cooperation and investment in key sectors.

The two sides agreed to remain closely engaged.

The DPM/FM shared with them the contours of the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, and its significance for strengthening strategic cooperation and contributing to regional peace, stability and security.

In addition, he also spoke jointly with President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and General Umaro Sissoco Embaló, former president of Guinea-Bissau.

The DPM/FM and President Tshisekedi also exchanged views on Pakistan-DRC relations and agreed on the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation, including through high-level exchanges.

Separately, in a message, the DPM/FM said the Makkah Accord is not an instrument of confrontation, but an expression of our collective commitment to peace through strength, solidarity and mutual respect.

This historic accord reflects the depth of our brotherly bonds, shared values and common commitment to peace, security and stability.

The signing of the Makkah Accord is a significant milestone in Pakistan’s longstanding strategic relationships with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Türkiye.

It embodies our shared resolve to strengthen cooperation in addressing the evolving peace and security challenges facing our region.

I wish to reiterate that the Makkah Accord is defensive in nature, Dar said, adding it is not directed against any country. Its purpose is to strengthen collective deterrence against external aggression and reinforce our capacity to defend our sovereignty, territorial integrity and peoples.

Dar added, “The Makkah Accord provides that an armed attack against any one of the three countries shall be regarded as an attack against all, consistent with the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.”

Pakistan remains firmly committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for sovereignty and international law, and the pursuit of regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Foreign Office of Pakistan have played a pivotal role in bringing this historic Makkah Accord to fruition.

The leadership and vision in safeguarding Pakistan’s national interests and strengthening our strategic partnerships with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye is commendable, he emphasised.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026