The first meeting of the so-called Mecca Alliance, bringing together Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, is set to take place in Istanbul on August 31.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud are expected to attend the meeting, according to Haber Global.

The gathering will reportedly mark the first session of a planned Strategic Political and Defense Committee, which is expected to define the strategic direction of activities carried out under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.

The ministers are expected to discuss international security, strengthening defense capabilities and improving interoperability between the armed forces of the three countries. The agenda also includes expanding defense industry cooperation through joint production and research projects.

Other key issues are expected to include strengthening joint counterterrorism efforts, establishing the framework for a secretariat to coordinate the alliance’s activities and developing other cooperation mechanisms.

The meeting is also expected to produce a roadmap outlining the alliance’s next steps.