Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missiles near Yanbu, Taif

Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and Pakistan convened in Istanbul to strongly condemn the Houthi terrorist militia's recent escalations in Yemen. These attacks included assaults on Saudi Arabia's territory, civilian infrastructures, and commercial vessels in key shipping lanes such as the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab. In response, the four nations called for an immediate end to all military activities and threats, urging the Houthis to return to a political process in good faith.

During the quadrilateral ministerial meeting, the foreign ministers of the four countries expressed their unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government. They stressed that the Houthis' actions had exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The meeting also touched on broader regional and international concerns, including developments in Yemen and Palestine, tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran, and heightened maritime security threats.

A subsequent, expanded session brought together the four foreign ministers alongside their counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. They discussed the ongoing strife involving the United States, Israel and Iran, particularly tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. The ministers reiterated the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation.

They urged all parties to avoid targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure while upholding the memorandum of understanding signed in Islamabad.

Both sets of ministers emphasized the significance of sustaining close coordination and consultations to avert further conflicts and bolster regional and international peace and stability. They also urged the protection of freedom of navigation and maritime safety, warning that disruptions to vital shipping routes could jeopardize national security and economic prosperity.

The ministers highlighted the potential impact on global supply chains and the transportation of essential goods such as energy, fertilizers and food, which could exacerbate hardships for vulnerable populations worldwide. They called for immediate steps to restore safe and unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz.