Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar alongside Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir arrived in Türkiye on Sunday, August 30, 2026, to attend the inaugural trilateral defense pact meeting involving Saudi Arabia, according to official statements. The high-level delegation traveled to Istanbul following the formal signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, a pact established amid escalating security concerns in West Asia that dictates an armed attack against any single member nation will be treated as an attack against all three.
Inaugural Strategic Political and Defence Committee Meeting in Istanbul
The Turkish Foreign Ministry confirmed that the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee will convene in Istanbul on Monday. According to official announcements from both governments, the talks will feature prominent leadership, including Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler, and Chief of Turkish General Staff Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu. While official details regarding the specific agenda remain unshared, reporting from multiple outlets indicates that regional security dynamics stemming from the Iran war are expected to dominate discussions. Pakistan’s delegation also includes Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, according to the Foreign Office.
Did You Know? Under the terms of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed on August 7, an armed attack against either Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, or Türkiye is officially treated as an armed attack against all three allied nations.
Regional-4 Group Consultations and Mediation Efforts
In addition to the trilateral defence committee sessions, Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan invited Deputy Prime Minister Dar to participate in a Regional-4 meeting in Istanbul. This diplomatic format brings together Egypt alongside the three defence pact members to coordinate on West Asian security. The R-4 group originally emerged in March to facilitate mediation efforts between the United States and Iran. The group last convened on August 5 in Amman, Jordan, where participating ministers reaffirmed the necessity of continuous consultation to advance regional stability. Pakistan has consistently sought to play a mediatory role between the U.S. and Iran throughout the diplomatic process.
Bilateral Engagements Prior to the Summit
Before arriving in Türkiye, Deputy Prime Minister Dar wrapped up what the Foreign Office described as a successful official visit to the United Kingdom. During his time in London, Dar held meetings with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, Minister of State for Pakistan Stephen Doughty, National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, and representatives of the International Maritime Org. Upon landing in Istanbul, Dar met directly with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss expanding bilateral relations across political, economic, security, and cultural domains, according to the Pakistan Foreign Office. Both officials expressed satisfaction with progress achieved under the Pakistan–Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council and agreed to convene its next session early.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed?
The trilateral defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye was signed on August 7.
Who represents Pakistan at the Istanbul meetings?
Pakistan is represented by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir.
What is the purpose of the R-4 group meetings?
The Regional-4 group, which includes Egypt alongside the three defence pact nations, focuses on regional security and emerged in March to support mediation efforts between the United States and Iran.