Pakistan Reaffirms Regional Peace Push After Makkah Defence Agreement

ISLAMABAD: (Special Reporter) – Pakistan has highlighted the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as the key development of the week, while reaffirming its commitment to diplomacy and efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability across the Gulf and wider Middle East.

Speaking at the Foreign Office’s weekly press briefing on August 12, 2026, the spokesperson said the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit, held on August 7, brought together the leadership of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.

The spokesperson described the agreement as a reflection of the three countries’ longstanding relations and shared commitment to regional security. Islamabad said the pact is purely defensive, aimed at enabling coordinated responses to threats and security challenges while supporting peace and stability.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, in his August 10 message to the nation, described the agreement as a historic milestone. He said Pakistan had played a key role in bringing the accord to fruition and credited the country’s leadership and Foreign Office with advancing strategic ties with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.

Pakistan steps up regional diplomacy

The Foreign Office said Pakistan is continuing diplomatic efforts, alongside other regional partners, to help resolve the ongoing crisis in the Gulf and Middle East.

As part of those efforts, Ishaq Dar held separate telephone conversations on August 10 with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kuwait. Discussions covered regional developments, bilateral relations, the Makkah agreement and efforts to sustain dialogue and stability.

Dar also spoke with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on August 11. The Bahraini minister congratulated Pakistan on the defence agreement and expressed an intention to visit Islamabad. Dar welcomed the proposed visit and reiterated Pakistan’s support for dialogue and diplomacy.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is visiting Tehran for meetings with senior Iranian officials. His visit is expected to cover bilateral relations, security matters and regional developments, with emphasis on peace and constructive engagement.

Ishaq Dar holds wider diplomatic consultations

The deputy prime minister also maintained diplomatic contacts with counterparts beyond the region.

On August 9, Dar spoke with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, discussing regional developments, the Makkah agreement, the evolving US-Iran situation and developments in Occupied East Jerusalem.

On August 11, he held separate conversations with Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang and Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, regional and international developments and greater coordination at multilateral forums.

Dar also spoke jointly with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and former Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló on August 10. He briefed them on the Makkah agreement and its potential role in strengthening strategic cooperation and supporting regional peace and security.

Pakistan and New Zealand deepen cooperation

The Foreign Office also highlighted recent talks between Pakistan and New Zealand, which held the fifth round of Political Consultations and the third round of Joint Trade Committee meetings in Wellington on August 6.

The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and explored opportunities for cooperation in economic development, science and technology, education, counterterrorism and people-to-people contacts.

Trade discussions focused on agriculture, livestock, information technology, education and services, along with sustainable agriculture, wool production and plant protection.

A key outcome was the signing of an Education Cooperation Arrangement, aimed at expanding collaboration between Pakistan and New Zealand in the education sector and strengthening bilateral ties.