Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Hold Defence Talks Amid Yemen Escalation

GOOBJOOG NEWS|RIYADH — Senior officials from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are meeting in Riyadh on Monday for talks on defence and regional security, as escalating conflict in Yemen puts growing pressure on the three countries to coordinate their positions.

The meeting of the trilateral defence mechanism will focus on recent regional developments and efforts to establish and strengthen the institutional framework for cooperation among the three countries, according to Turkey’s Foreign Ministry.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Chief of General Staff General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu are attending the talks alongside senior officials from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, Reuters reported.

The discussions come amid heightened regional tensions, particularly over the conflict in Yemen and military operations against the Houthis.

Officials are also expected to discuss proposals for political engagement with the Houthis. Pakistan’s foreign minister previously said Iran had proposed pursuing political dialogue with the group following recent attacks.

Meanwhile, the head of Yemen’s Saudi-backed government has announced the launch of a major military operation aimed at retaking territory held by the Houthis, adding to concerns over a further escalation of the conflict.

The Riyadh talks highlight growing efforts by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to deepen cooperation on defence, security and regional political issues as instability in Yemen and the wider Middle East continues.