Istanbul, August 31 (QNA) - The Political and Strategic Defense Committee established under the Mecca Alliance for Joint Defense between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan affirmed its commitment to working within the framework of the accord to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of its meeting in Istanbul on Monday, the committee said the three countries would continue supporting efforts to reduce tensions and promote restraint, encouraging peaceful solutions to crises.

The three countries also agreed to take further steps to institutionalize their cooperation under the Mecca Alliance, strengthen solidarity, and ensure the credibility and effectiveness of collective deterrence and defense, while contributing to regional security efforts and cooperative security aimed at achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.

The statement said a secretariat headed by a Secretary-General in Saudi Arabia would be established to support the three countries' work under the accord. A Pakistani Secretary-General will lead the secretariat during its first three-year term.

The three countries will also enhance their defense capabilities and military cohesion through joint activities, defense industry cooperation, and the development of joint production and technologies.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, HH Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the joint defense agreement in Makkah on August 7.

The agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence against aggression and stipulates that any armed attack against one of the three countries shall be considered an attack against all three. (QNA)