R4, European Nations Call for Dialogue on Middle East

Pakistan and other countries have called for dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation to resolve regional conflicts, according to a joint statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO) on Saturday, October 24. The foreign ministers of Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia (R4), along with their counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, met in Istanbul on October 23.

Issues Discussed

• The US-Israel-Iran conflict

• The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for a negotiated two-state solution

• Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and the Government of Yemen

• Safety and freedom of navigation, and escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb and the Black Sea

Outcome

The ministers expressed their commitment to continue contributing to diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region and beyond, and to addressing the security, economic and trade implications of these issues. They agreed on the “urgent need” to address regional conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation, and emphasised lasting, negotiated solutions in line with relevant UN resolutions. They also agreed to continue the dialogue in this format to prevent conflicts and advance peace and stability.

About R4

The R4 group of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye emerged in March and has focused on regional security and mediation efforts between the United States and Iran. A day earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended the sixth R4 foreign ministers’ meeting.