Makkah Defence cooperation between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye aims to strengthen regional stability and protect the region from tensions and conflicts, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on Wednesday.

He made the remarks while delivering the annual royal address on behalf of King Salman at the opening of the third year of the ninth session of the Saudi Shura Council.

The crown prince said the three countries established the alliance to coordinate efforts and strengthen security across the region.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Makkah on August 7. The three countries have since taken steps to establish mechanisms for cooperation under the agreement.

Gulf Security and Defence Cooperation

Mohammed bin Salman said attacks targeting Gulf Cooperation Council countries showed that Gulf security and stability were closely linked.

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He said Saudi Arabia was working with its Gulf partners to protect regional security and strengthen joint action.

The crown prince also said Saudi Arabia had the military and human resources needed to respond to threats. He added that Riyadh would continue efforts to reduce tensions without compromising its security.

He also highlighted the establishment of a multinational maritime defence coalition. The initiative aims to strengthen maritime security and protect shared interests in international waterways.

The crown prince said international waterways should not become tools for political or economic pressure.

Gaza, Yemen and Sudan

Mohammed bin Salman condemned Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip and what he described as repeated violations of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

He called on the international community and the UN Security Council to support efforts for a lasting political solution in Palestine.

The crown prince reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for Palestinian rights, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in line with international resolutions.

On Yemen, he reiterated Saudi support for the internationally recognised Yemeni government and efforts to restore stability while confronting Houthi attacks.

He also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for Sudan’s unity and stability, its state institutions and efforts to reduce the suffering caused by the war.

Energy Security

The Saudi leader warned that the world was facing an energy crisis with potentially wide-ranging consequences.

He said Saudi Arabia had continued supplying oil to international markets despite rising regional tensions. He described the Kingdom’s role in maintaining global energy supplies as part of its wider contribution to energy security.

The address also covered Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation and progress under Vision 2030, including developments in investment, digital services and artificial intelligence.