Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia (R4), along with France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, have agreed on the urgent need to address regional conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation.

This has been stated in a joint press release issued after a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the R4 countries with their counterparts from the four European countries in Istanbul.

The Minister emphasized the need for finding lasting negotiated solutions to all outstanding conflicts in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions.

The Ministers discussed various issues of regional and international importance, namely the US/Israel-Iran conflict, Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for a negotiated two-state solution, the appalling Houthi militia attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of Yemen, safety and freedom of navigation, escalated tension in Strait of Hormuz and Bab El Mandeb and the Black Sea.

They expressed their commitment to continue contributing towards diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond, and addressing the security, economic and trade implications of these issues.

The Ministers agreed to continue the dialogue in this format with a view to preventing conflicts and advancing peace and stability in the region.