Key Takeaways
- R4 foreign ministers met with European counterparts in Istanbul to discuss regional security.
- The meeting focused on the US-Israeli war on Iran and regional challenges.
- Participants agreed to continue diplomatic engagement to promote peace and stability.
R4 foreign ministers, comprising Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, met with their European counterparts in Istanbul to discuss regional developments, particularly the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar of Pakistan participated in the meeting, alongside his counterparts from France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
The ministers exchanged views on the social and economic impacts of regional developments and the urgent need for diplomatic engagement to resolve regional challenges of peace, security, and stability.
Pakistan's role in de-escalating tensions and preventing hostilities was highlighted by Dar, who briefed his counterparts on ongoing diplomatic and mediatory efforts.
The ministers agreed to continue engagement in this format, emphasizing the importance of fostering regional cooperation and advancing diplomatic efforts.
The R4 bloc also held a separate meeting, where they reviewed regional developments since their last meeting in New York in September, focusing on the Middle East and related security challenges.
The ministers expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemning Houthi attacks targeting the country.
Bilateral meetings were held, with Dar meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, discussing regional developments and the importance of dialogue and diplomacy.
Both leaders condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on regional issues, including under the Makkah Defence Agreement.
The meetings underscored the commitment to strengthen the longstanding bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Turkiye, and to deepen cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.
