Summary Eight foreign ministers seek closer coordination amid escalating regional tensions
ISTANBUL (Dunya News) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called for intensified diplomatic engagement to ease regional tensions and promote peace and stability during high-level talks involving eight countries in Turkiye.
The Istanbul meeting brought together foreign ministers from Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, collectively known as the R4 group, with counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Held on Friday, the talks focused on developments in the Gulf region, their social and economic consequences, and the need for coordinated diplomatic efforts to address mounting security challenges. The discussions took place against the backdrop of the US-Israeli war on Iran and growing concerns over regional stability and vital international shipping routes.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 participated today in the first meeting in Istanbul with the Foreign Ministers of the R4 (Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt), along with their counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. The meeting provided an opportunity for exchange of views on regional developments in the Gulf region, their social and economic impacts, and the urgent need to foster diplomatic engagement to resolve regional challenges of peace, security, and stability. The DPM/FM briefed his counterparts on the diplomatic and mediatory role Pakistan continues to play in de-escalating tensions, preventing resumption of hostilities and promoting peace. All Ministers agreed for continued engagement in this format.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 23, 2026
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Dar briefed his counterparts on Islamabad’s ongoing diplomatic contacts and mediation efforts aimed at reducing tensions, preventing a resumption of hostilities and advancing regional peace. The eight foreign ministers agreed to continue consultations through the expanded meeting format.
Gulf security
The Istanbul gathering marked the first meeting between the R4 group and the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the UK. The R4 grouping, which emerged in March, has focused on regional security and diplomatic mediation, including efforts concerning tensions between the United States and Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments, featured prominently in the discussions. British Foreign Minister Ed Miliband’s office said he would advocate a diplomatic resolution to the crisis that restores full navigational rights and freedoms.
The British side also highlighted concerns about attacks on Saudi Arabia and the potential consequences for other strategic waterways, including Bab el-Mandeb and the Suez Canal. Disruptions around these maritime chokepoints could place additional pressure on international shipping and trade.
France described the meeting as a first in this format, taking place amid significant regional instability and uncertainty. Its foreign ministry said the talks aimed to strengthen coordination between European and Middle Eastern countries over crises affecting both regions.
Turkiye was also expected to emphasise diplomacy as the means of addressing the conflict involving the United States and Iran, alongside the importance of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
R4 reaffirms Saudi support
Alongside the expanded gathering, Dar attended the sixth meeting of the R4 foreign ministers with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
The four ministers reviewed developments since their previous meeting in New York in September, with particular attention to the Middle East, regional conflicts and related security challenges.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held his first meeting in Istanbul today with H.E. Hakan Fidan, Foreign Minister of Türkiye. The DPM/FM thanked FM Hakan Fidan for Türkiye’s hosting of the R-4 Ministerial Meeting and the R4+ meeting with Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom in Istanbul. The DPM/FM conveyed condolences over the loss of lives caused by flash floods following heavy rains in Türkiye and wished a swift recovery to those affected. The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East and Palestine. They expressed concern over threats to regional stability and underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and coordinated efforts to promote regional peace and security. The two sides also strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on regional issues, including under the Makkah Defence Agreement among Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Türkiye, and to deepening cooperation across all areas of mutual interest, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 23, 2026
According to the Foreign Office, the ministers 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 the sovereignty of states.
The discussions included ways to improve regional coordination and advance diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace, security and stability.
The meeting also brought renewed attention to the Makkah Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia on August 7. The pact seeks to strengthen collective deterrence, with its signatories committing to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all.
Bilateral diplomatic push
Dar held separate meetings with his Turkish, Egyptian and Saudi counterparts on the sidelines of the Istanbul talks, using the visit to discuss bilateral relations alongside regional developments.
In his meeting with Fidan, Dar thanked Turkiye for hosting the gatherings. The two ministers discussed bilateral cooperation and the situation in the Middle East, particularly Palestine, while expressing concern over threats to regional stability. They underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and coordinated action, and reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation on regional issues, including under the Makkah defence framework.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with Egyptian Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty @EgyptForeignMin on the sidelines of the R4 Ministerial Meeting in Istanbul today. The two Ministers reaffirmed the longstanding and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Egypt and underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagement in further advancing bilateral relations. They agreed to impart greater momentum to cooperation across a range of areas, including trade, business-to-business linkages, agriculture, pharmaceutical, connectivity, renewable energy, defence, and people-to-people exchanges. The two Ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments, particularly the situation in Palestine and the Middle East, and underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges. They reaffirmed their commitment to continued consultations and closer coordination under the Regional Four (R4) framework and on matters of mutual interest. @MFAEgOfficial
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 23, 2026
During talks with Abdelatty, Dar exchanged views on regional and international developments, including Palestine and the wider Middle East. Both sides stressed sustained diplomatic engagement and agreed to give fresh momentum to cooperation in trade, business partnerships, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, connectivity, renewable energy, defence and people-to-people exchanges.
Dar also met Prince Faisal bin Farhan, reiterating Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two ministers reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between their countries and their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership through regular consultations and cooperation across areas of mutual interest.
Germany talks
Dar separately met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to discuss bilateral relations and international developments. According to the Foreign Office, both ministers highlighted the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and sustained international engagement in addressing regional challenges and promoting stability.
Dar welcomed the constructive engagement of Germany, France, Italy and the UK with the R4 framework, stressing the importance of continued consultations on shared concerns.
