European, Middle East foreign ministers push for peace at Istanbul talks

Foreign ministers from eight European and Middle Eastern countries gathered in Istanbul for unprecedented talks aimed at promoting diplomacy and peaceful solutions. The discussions centered around the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Iran, and the situation in Yemen, including the attacks by Houthis, allies of Tehran. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned that a new escalation between Iran and the US would only result in losers, warning of serious consequences for hydrocarbon prices.

The meeting, hosted by Turkey, also addressed the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with ministers from Britain, France, Germany, and Italy discussing ways to end the war. They emphasized the need for restraint on all sides to prevent further escalation in the region. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stressed that the regional problem could not be solved through military means alone.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who presided over the meeting, highlighted the informal, flexible nature of the talks, which aimed to foster dialogue and concrete action steps. He stressed that diplomacy and dialogue were the only viable paths forward, both in the Gulf and in Ukraine. Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan praised the constructive discussions and emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum of the Mecca Defence Alliance, a defense pact launched recently with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The ministers agreed to continue their efforts through regular meetings in the future.