Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan to hold urgent talks amid Yemen tensions

NEW YORK, September 25 /ATSH-DPA/ — The army chiefs of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye are expected to meet for urgent talks, as the three countries work to strengthen a new joint defense agreement.

In August, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye signed an agreement under which an armed attack on one of the three countries would be considered an attack on all three.

However, according to Pakistani sources, the agreement was not drafted to deter or threaten Iran.

The foreign ministers of the three countries met in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The meeting of the army chiefs is expected to follow.

According to security sources in Pakistan, the military meeting will focus mainly on organizational matters and on how the agreement will be implemented. For now, no decision is expected on sending military forces to Yemen.

What is happening in Yemen?

Saudi Arabia has for more than 10 years backed Yemen’s internationally recognized government in its war against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The situation has escalated again in recent weeks. Saudi Arabia has carried out airstrikes on Sanaa, the capital controlled by the Houthi rebels.

According to reports, the Houthi rebels have gained wide control along the Red Sea and have increased threats and attacks against vessels linked to Saudi Arabia.

This is especially problematic for Riyadh, because maritime transport through the Red Sea is important for Saudi oil exports to Asia.

The alleged attack on Mecca

The foreign ministers of the three countries also condemned an alleged drone attack on Mecca.

Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthi rebels of the attack, but they have denied the accusations.

Why is Saudi Arabia moving closer to Pakistan and Türkiye?

According to reports, Saudi Arabia is seeking more security partners so it does not rely solely on the United States.

The United States has so far been Saudi Arabia’s main security partner. Meanwhile, Riyadh is looking to expand cooperation with other countries and play a bigger role in the region.

Pakistan already has troops and military aircraft stationed in Saudi Arabia, under a bilateral defense agreement.

Türkiye, a NATO member, also has security agreements with countries outside NATO, including Saudi Arabia.