R4 Ministerial Meeting: Joint statement seeks urgent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional conflicts

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, along with France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, have called for urgent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional conflicts, warning of growing security, economic and trade risks amid tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Houthi attacks and mounting threats to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb and the Black Sea.

A joint statement issued on Saturday after the R4 Ministerial Meeting held in Istanbul, along with foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy and United Kingdom.

The Foreign Ministers of Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt discussed various issues of regional and international importance, namely US/Israel-Iran conflict, Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for a negotiated two-state solution, the appalling Houthi militia attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of Yemen, safety and freedom of navigation, escalated tension in Straits of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb and the Black Sea.

They expressed their commitment to continue contributing towards diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond, and addressing the security, economic and trade implications of these issues.

The Ministers agreed on the urgent need to address regional conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation. In accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions, they emphasized the need for finding lasting negotiated solutions to all outstanding conflicts.

The Ministers agreed to continue the dialogue in this format with a view to preventing conflicts and advancing peace and stability in the region.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026