The Pakistani Prime Minister stresses that the security of the Two Holy Mosques is a “red line” for Pakistan and confirms support for the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement

Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif stressed on Friday that the security of the Two Holy Mosques represents a “red line” for his country, renewing his condemnation of the attacks that targeted Saudi Arabia.

During his speech before the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Shahbaz Sharif stressed that the “Mecca Joint Defense Agreement” between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan does not target any country, but rather aims to enhance peace and stability in the region.

The Pakistani Prime Minister explained that the expansion of conflicts in the Middle East caused damage to vital maritime navigation routes and affected the global economy, noting the need for the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab to remain open to international trade.

He pointed out that Pakistan contributed to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at containing regional tensions, including encouraging dialogue between the United States and Iran, and chose to work to achieve peace and stability in the region.

Regarding the issue of Palestine, Shahbaz Sharif affirmed his country’s support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, indicating that the forced displacement of Palestinians reflects, according to Pakistan’s position, an Israeli agenda aimed at committing genocide. He also renewed his condemnation of Israeli military operations in the Palestinian territories, Lebanon and Syria.

Regarding the regional issue, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his country’s position on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, calling for its solution in accordance with United Nations resolutions.

On the other hand, the Pakistani Prime Minister pointed out that terrorism still poses a serious threat to international peace and security, calling for strengthening the role of the United Nations and reforming the Security Council, making it more representative and effective.

On Saturday, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan confirmed that they will continue to work together to confront attacks on the Kingdom in accordance with the “Mecca Joint Defense Agreement,” which includes the two countries alongside Türkiye.

This was reported by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, in a post on his account on the “X” social media platform, after his meeting with Pakistani Army Commander Asim Munir.

Prince Khalid bin Salman added: “We praised the outcomes of the meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement countries,” which was hosted by the capital, Riyadh, on Friday.

The Saudi Minister of Defense indicated that during the meeting with Munir, in Riyadh, he discussed the sinful attacks that targeted Mecca and civil and economic installations in Saudi Arabia.

From the Saudi side, the meeting was attended by Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet and National Security Advisor, Lieutenant General Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, Chief of the General Staff, and Hisham bin Saif, Advisor to the Minister of Defense for Intelligence Affairs, along with Pakistani officials.

The chiefs of staff of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey reviewed the security situation and threats facing the Kingdom, stressing their joint determination to immediately begin translating the obligations contained in the “Mecca Agreement” into effective military cooperation.

The attendees discussed ways to move forward in developing cooperation between the armed forces of the three countries, intelligence, military coordination and integration of capabilities, in a way that contributes to enhancing deterrence and collective defense.