Islamabad:President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to regional peace and defensive cooperation under the Makkah Accord.

According to Radio Pakistan, President Zardari met with Lieutenant General, retired, Nauman Mahmood, who is the first Secretary General appointed under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Mahmood will lead the General Secretariat of the alliance being established in Riyadh.

The President expressed confidence that the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia on August 7, 2026, will enhance regional peace and stability. This will be achieved through defensive cooperation guided by the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

Zardari highlighted that the Accord is purely defensive, not targeted against any country, and does not aim to form a new bloc. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to resolving conflicts peacefully and enhancing regional and multilateral cooperation to tackle emerging challenges.