Istanbul:Eight countries have come together in Istanbul to initiate collective action aimed at establishing peace and stability in the Middle East, as announced by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the meeting included foreign ministers from Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, with Italy also participating. Barrot emphasized that the repercussions of the Middle East’s situation extend beyond the region’s borders, affecting European nations directly.

The discussions, described as “highly constructive,” led to an agreement among the eight nations to continue their collaboration through periodic meetings. These meetings will address issues such as Iran’s activities and ensuring freedom of navigation in key maritime areas like the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea. The countries aim to coordinate their positions to achieve these goals.

Additionally, Barrot noted French efforts in supporting Saudi Arabia to protect its energy infrastructure from Houthi attacks. He also cautioned that increased tensions between the United States and Iran would be detrimental to all parties involved, urging both Washington and Tehran to exercise restraint. The Istanbul meeting focused on regional challenges, including the Palestinian issue, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, developments in Yemen, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while exploring avenues for future cooperation between the involved nations.