Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a series of meetings with his Saudi, Turkish, Egyptian, British and French counterparts on the sidelines of the Regional Four (R4) ministerial meeting in Istanbul, focusing on Middle East tensions, Pakistan’s regional diplomacy, bilateral cooperation and efforts to maintain peace and stability.
The most significant discussions included Pakistan and Türkiye’s condemnation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, Islamabad’s reaffirmation of support for Saudi sovereignty and territorial integrity, and calls for coordinated diplomatic efforts to address the Palestinian issue and wider regional crises.
Pakistan, Türkiye Condemn Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia
During his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Dar discussed bilateral relations and the evolving regional situation, particularly developments in the Middle East and Palestine.
Both sides expressed concern over threats to regional stability and emphasized dialogue, diplomacy and joint efforts to promote peace and security.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the two countries strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on regional issues under the Defence Agreement of Mecca.
The foreign ministers also agreed to strengthen longstanding bilateral ties and expand cooperation through bilateral and multilateral forums.
Dar conveyed condolences over the loss of life caused by flash floods following heavy rainfall in Türkiye and expressed wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Saudi Sovereignty
In his meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening longstanding brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia and expanding their strategic partnership.
The two foreign ministers agreed to deepen cooperation across areas of mutual interest and maintain regular consultations at all levels.
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s full support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, underscoring the importance Islamabad attaches to its strategic relationship with Riyadh.
Pakistan and Egypt Seek Wider Economic and Defence Cooperation
Dar also met Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty, with both sides reaffirming their longstanding friendly relations and emphasizing the importance of sustained high-level engagement.
The two ministers agreed to accelerate cooperation in trade, business, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, connectivity, renewable energy, defence and people-to-people exchanges.
They also discussed regional and international developments, particularly the situation in Palestine and the wider Middle East.
Both sides stressed the need for continued dialogue, diplomacy and closer coordination among R4 countries to address regional challenges.
UK Praises Pakistan’s Regional Peace Efforts
During his meeting with British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, Dar expressed satisfaction with the state of Pakistan-UK relations.
The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest and maintain regular engagement on regional and international issues.
Miliband appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability, while Dar welcomed the United Kingdom’s constructive engagement with the R4 group.
France, Pakistan Discuss Regional Crises and Energy Prices
In his meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Dar discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and maintain regular dialogue on matters of mutual interest.
The two ministers reviewed regional and international developments, including the economic and social consequences of ongoing crises, with particular attention to their impact on energy prices.
Barrot appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability, as well as Dar’s diplomatic efforts.
Dar, in turn, acknowledged the constructive diplomatic role played by the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy in efforts to advance regional peace.
The Foreign Office said the meetings collectively reinforced the importance of dialogue, regular consultations and coordinated diplomatic engagement in addressing regional and global challenges.
The R4 group comprises Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt. According to the Foreign Office, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy are also cooperating with the group on regional peace efforts.
