Leaders of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are meeting in Jeddah on Friday for a trilateral summit, where they are expected to sign a joint defence agreement, according to sources close to the Saudi military and government.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Turkey's presidency announced Erdogan will make a one-day working visit to Saudi Arabia, during which he will meet the crown prince and Sharif.
Sharif arrived in Jeddah on Thursday evening for a three-day official visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir and several ministers.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, but its significance extends beyond the current crisis and short-term considerations. The ministry said the visit underscores the historic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, built on decades of trust and cooperation.
Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and exchanging views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.