Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have agreed to work towards an urgent meeting of their top military commanders. The meeting will focus on ways to support Saudi Arabia as attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels continue to escalate.

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held talks on Friday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Pakistan's Foreign Office said.

Ministers discuss Mecca Joint Defence Agreement

The three ministers discussed the implementation of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed the agreement last month.

The pact creates a framework for collective deterrence among the three countries. It states that an armed attack against one member will be treated as an attack against all three members.

The ministers also “discussed plans to convene an urgent meeting of the chiefs of staff of the three countries to explore ways to assist the Kingdom under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, which stipulates that an attack against any one of its parties shall be considered an attack against all parties,” the Pakistani Foreign Office said.

Focus on regional security and navigation

The ministers also reviewed the wider situation in the region. They stressed the need to uphold international law and good neighbourly relations.

They also called for respect for the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs. The ministers highlighted the importance of protecting the security and freedom of navigation.

The three countries also expressed their determination to work together to promote lasting peace and stability in the region.

Saudi Arabia faces growing Houthi attacks

The talks took place as Saudi Arabia faces a rise in attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis. The attacks have included strikes on civilian and economic infrastructure.

The ministers strongly condemned attacks targeting the holy city of Mecca. They also condemned strikes against civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Earlier on Friday, the UN Security Council also condemned what it described as continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. The council cited strikes that affected civilian and energy infrastructure and injured civilians, including women and children.

The joint statement came from the council's rotating president, French UN envoy Jérôme Bonnafont. The statement marked a rare display of unity at the UN's top body over the escalating attacks.

Pakistan appoints first trilateral alliance secretary-general

Pakistan also appointed former Lt Gen Nauman Mahmood as the first secretary-general of the trilateral alliance on Wednesday.

The appointment comes as Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia move to strengthen coordination under their new defence agreement and respond to the growing security situation in the region.