Pakistan, Aug. 31 -- Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia have begun their first meeting under the Makkah joint defence agreement in Istanbul. Senior officials from all three countries are attending the talks. The meeting focuses on defence, security and closer strategic cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir represent Pakistan. Turkish and Saudi officials are also participating in the high-level discussions. Their presence reflects the importance attached to the emerging Makkah Accord partnership.

The talks will cover global security developments and ways to strengthen national defence capabilities. The three countries will also discuss defence technology and joint pr...