They work together heading away from political meetings (6)

I believe the answer is:
allies
'meetings' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both groups as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for allies that I've seen before include "Co-operating states" , "Partners or confederates" , "They help each other, confederates" , "Associates, confederates" , "Countries working together" .)
