ME conflict: Saudi-Egyptian-Pak-Turkish moot begins today

ISLAMABAD: In a landmark development on diplomatic front that could redefine regional stability, Pakistan’s capital is set to host a high-stakes and much-anticipated two-day quadrilateral meeting today (Sunday), bringing together the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. This meeting represents a strategic leap toward a possible durable peace and a definitive end to hostilities across the Middle East.

This Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi announced this in a statement on Saturday. With the eyes of the international community fixed on Islamabad, a pivotal diplomatic mission is unfolding as Pakistan has geared up its engagements and outreach with the international partners and friendly countries to pave the way for Islamabad’s much-discussed mediation to help settle the issues in the Middle East following weeks-long war between the United States-Israel and Iran.

READ MORE: Egyptian FM arrives in Islamabad for quadrilateral talks amid regional tensions

“At the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud; the Foreign Minister of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan, and the Foreign Minister of Egypt, Dr Badr Abdelatty will visit Islamabad from 29–30 March 2026,” the statement further stated.

According to the FO spokesperson, during the visit, the Foreign Ministers will hold in-depth discussions on a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. The visiting dignitaries will also call on the Prime Minister after the quadrilateral meeting, he added.

Pakistan highly values its relations with the brotherly countries of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt, he said, adding the visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen Pakistan’s cooperation and coordination with these countries across multifaceted areas of mutual interest.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator spoke with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

READ MORE: Qatar appreciates Pakistan’s peace efforts to de-escalate regional tensions

The two leaders discussed prevailing regional and international developments and emphasised the importance of urgent de-escalation. The Qatari side appreciated Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.

They reaffirmed the deep-rooted Pakistan-Qatar brotherly ties and agreed to remain in close contact on evolving developments.

In a late Friday night statement, the FO said Pakistan and China reaffirmed commitment to regional peace and diplomatic engagement to end the Middle East conflict.

During Ishaq Dar’s telephone conservation with Chinese Foreign Minister, Beijing welcomed the initiation of Iran–United States peace talks, noting their critical importance for regional stability. He stressed that the international community should encourage both sides to return to the negotiating table.

He expressed China’s deep appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting de-escalation and conveyed China’s full support to Pakistan’s facilitation efforts.

READ MORE: China supports Pakistan as mediator

Pakistan and China Foreign Ministers agreed on the importance of supporting all efforts aimed at an immediate cessation of hostilities, resumption of dialogue, protection of civilians, security of maritime routes, and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026