Pakistani PM meets first Secretary-General of Mecca Agreement coalition

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Nauman Mahmood, the first Secretary-General of the Mecca Agreement coalition, in Islamabad, according to a report from the Pakistani premier's office. During the meeting, Sharif congratulated Mahmood on assuming the newly created post.

Sharif described the Mecca Agreement as "a historic turning point for peace, unity and stability in the region." The agreement, signed by Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia, led to repeated meetings between officials from the three countries in their respective capitals, which ultimately resulted in Mahmood's appointment as the coalition's first Secretary-General.

Sharif stated, "Pakistan stands by Saudi Arabia in the framework of the Mecca Defense Agreement to safeguard its sovereignty, defense and regional security." He added, "Pakistan fully supports Saudi Arabia's legitimate right to defend itself. We reiterate Pakistan's firm commitment to protecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Saudi Arabia." The Pakistani prime minister did not refer to Saudi Arabia's military campaign in Yemen or its blockade of the country.

According to Sharif's office, the Secretary-General of the Mecca Defense Coalition briefed the prime minister on the strategy to enhance defense and strategic cooperation within the framework of the Mecca Defense Pact. The meeting underscored the ongoing coordination among the three nations under the agreement.

The report by Mehr News did not provide further details on the specific outcomes of the discussions or any additional agreements reached during the meeting.