Istanbul:Foreign ministers from Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, known as the ‘R4’ group, have reiterated their commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering peace and stability in the region. They emphasized the importance of addressing conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy during a meeting held in Istanbul.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the meeting in Istanbul was attended by foreign ministers from France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, who joined to discuss regional and international security challenges. The discussions included the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian issue, and the necessity of achieving a two-state solution through negotiations.

The ministers also addressed attacks by the Houthi group on Saudi Arabia and Yemen and discussed maritime security amid rising tensions in the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz waterways, as well as the Black Sea. The importance of diplomatic coordination to mitigate the impacts of regional crises on security, the economy, and trade was underscored, with an emphasis on dialogue as a crucial tool for conflict containment.

The joint statement issued highlighted the need for lasting solutions to ongoing conflicts in line with United Nations resolutions. The ministers agreed to continue dialogue and consultations to prevent conflicts and strengthen regional peace and stability.

The Istanbul meeting also tackled issues such as the Palestinian situation, the Strait of Hormuz, developments in Yemen, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and potential cooperation between the ‘R4’ and ‘E3’ groups.