R4 bloc, European powers discuss developments in the Gulf in Istanbul meeting
Developments in the Gulf region amid the US-Israeli war on Iran came under discussion as the R4 foreign ministers — Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye — met with their counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. The R4 group, comprising Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, emerged in March and has been focusing on regional security and mediation efforts between…
R4, an alliance encompassing Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, convened in Istanbul to discuss the tumultuous situation in the Gulf region following the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The meeting, facilitated by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, aimed to exchange perspectives on regional developments, their socio-economic ramifications, and the critical necessity for diplomatic engagement to resolve conflicts.
During the gathering, Dar provided his European counterparts with an update on Pakistan's mediation efforts aimed at diffusing tensions and averting further hostilities. All participating ministers concurred on the importance of maintaining their engagement within the R4 framework.
In a subsequent session, the R4 foreign ministers met to review regional developments since their last meeting in New York. The discussions placed a significant emphasis on the Middle East, security challenges, and conflicts. The ministers expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reiterated their support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also condemned the Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and emphasized the importance of respecting state sovereignty.
Bilateral meetings between Dar and his counterparts from Turkey and Egypt took place during the R4 meeting. These informal discussions allowed for the strengthening of bilateral relations and a comprehensive review of regional and international developments. Dar further met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, expressing a desire to deepen bilateral ties through sustained engagement and cooperation across various areas of mutual interest.
The British Foreign Minister, Ed Miliband, was briefed on the meeting's outcomes, particularly focusing on the Strait of Hormuz and the situation in Saudi Arabia. Miliband intended to advocate for a diplomatic resolution to the Hormuz crisis, ensuring full navigational rights and freedoms. He also emphasized the need to address how Iranian tactics are spreading across the region, destabilizing vital waterways and chokepoints such as Bab El-Mandeb and the Suez Canal.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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