The Saudi government hailed on Tuesday the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement for reaffirming “the deep-rooted historical ties” between the Kingdom, Türkiye and Pakistan. It also underscored their “shared commitment to strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity while advancing their common strategic interests.” Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session that was held in Jeddah. King Salman expressed his gratitude to Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan; and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for their successful and blessed efforts in convening the summit last week. King Salman praised the outcomes of the tripartite summit in establishing a framework for a long-term defense partnership that will contribute to strengthening joint cooperation, coordination, and integration between the Kingdom, Türkiye, and Pakistan. It will help in continuing efforts to address regional challenges and preserve international security and stability in a manner that supports the aspirations of the peoples of the region and the wider international community for a more prosperous and flourishing future. The Cabinet was then briefed on the message received by King Salman from President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa, as well as the phone calls between Crown Prince Mohammed and French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Cabinet reviewed regional and international developments and Saudi Arabia’s efforts, through communication and coordination with brotherly and friendly countries, to support de-escalation in the region, advance diplomatic solutions, and strengthen all initiatives that respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and ensure the security of waterways in the straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb as they are fundamental pillars of global economic stability. The Cabinet welcomed the United Nations Security Council statement condemning the attacks and criminal acts committed by the terrorist Houthi militias in Yemen that threaten regional security and freedom of maritime navigation. It reiterated Saudi Arabia's right to defend its security and resources and its unwavering support for the legitimate Yemeni government and UN-led efforts to achieve peace and stability in Yemen. The Cabinet commended the steps taken at the Ministerial Meeting in Support of Jerusalem and its Holy Sites in Amman, reaffirming its categorical rejection of all attempts to alter the legal and historical status of Jerusalem or undermine its identity. It called on the international community to halt Israeli violations in Gaza and the West Bank, protect holy sites, and support the Palestinian people. The Cabinet noted Riyadh's hosting of the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in September, saying it reflects the Kingdom's commitment to multi-party global dialogue on emerging technologies and responsible AI use, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable digital future. The Cabinet also viewed the Kingdom's successful hosting of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad and Saudi students' top results in the competition as confirmation of its global leadership in scientific events and its commitment to empowering talented individuals in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
