Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt met European counterparts in Istanbul to discuss Gulf developments, regional security and diplomatic efforts, while the R4 group expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia over Houthi attacks.
ISTANBUL, TÜRKİYE — WEB DESK: Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt met European counterparts in Istanbul on Friday to discuss developments in the Gulf, regional security and diplomatic efforts to address ongoing conflicts.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar participated in the combined meeting, which brought together the four members of the R4 group and representatives from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. The meeting provided a forum for discussing the regional and economic consequences of tensions in the Gulf and the need for diplomatic engagement, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
The gathering marked the first meeting in this combined format. The discussions took place amid continuing concerns over the Middle East, maritime security and threats to important international shipping routes.
Ministers call for diplomatic engagement
According to the Foreign Office, the ministers exchanged views on regional developments and their social and economic effects.
Dar briefed participants on Pakistan’s diplomatic and mediation efforts aimed at reducing tensions, preventing a resumption of hostilities and promoting peace.
The ministers agreed to maintain engagement through the new format, the Foreign Office said. The meeting’s stated focus was diplomatic coordination and regional stability rather than announcing a specific peace agreement.
R4 expresses solidarity with Saudi Arabia
The R4 ministers also held a separate meeting attended by Dar, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
During the meeting, the ministers reviewed regional developments since their previous gathering in New York in September, with particular attention to Middle Eastern security challenges.
According to the Foreign Office, they expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their support for the kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also condemned Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and stressed the importance of respecting state sovereignty.
The statement did not announce a new military operation or a change to the group’s existing arrangements. Instead, it emphasised regional coordination and diplomatic efforts to promote peace and security.
Dar holds bilateral meetings
Dar also held separate meetings with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on the sidelines of the Istanbul discussions.
In his meeting with Fidan, Dar discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East and Palestine. Both sides emphasised dialogue, diplomacy and coordinated efforts to support regional stability.
They also condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation on regional issues, including under the Makkah Defence Agreement, according to the Foreign Office.
In talks with Abdelatty, Dar discussed Palestine, the wider Middle East and ways to strengthen Pakistan-Egypt cooperation. The two sides identified areas including trade, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, defence and connectivity for further engagement.
Dar also met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The two discussed bilateral relations and broader international developments, while emphasising sustained dialogue and diplomatic coordination.
Strait of Hormuz and regional security on agenda
The wider discussions also addressed the Strait of Hormuz and the security situation involving Saudi Arabia.
The British foreign secretary’s office said Ed Miliband would advocate a diplomatic solution to the Hormuz crisis that restores freedom of navigation. France described the meeting as an opportunity to improve coordination between European and Middle Eastern countries amid regional instability.
The agenda reflects concern about the impact of regional conflicts on shipping, energy supplies and international trade. The Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb are important maritime chokepoints, making security and freedom of navigation central issues for countries in the region and beyond.
