Istanbul:French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that eight countries gathered in Istanbul to work collectively towards achieving peace and stability in the Middle East.

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 participating. Barrot emphasized that the repercussions of the Middle Eastern situation extend beyond its inhabitants, impacting European nations directly.

The nations engaged in highly constructive negotiations and decided to continue their collaboration with periodic meetings. Key topics included Iran, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea. Barrot also noted French efforts to assist Saudi Arabia in protecting its energy infrastructure from Houthi attacks.

Barrot cautioned against escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, urging restraint from both Washington and Tehran. The meeting addressed regional issues such as the Palestinian question, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Yemen developments, and efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war, while exploring future cooperation and coordination opportunities.