R4 and European foreign ministers meet in Istanbul to discuss regional conflicts
The ministers discussed regional conflicts, maritime security and efforts to reduce tensions.
Foreign ministers from Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the UK met in Istanbul on 23 October. They agreed on the need to address conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.
The foreign ministers of Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia (R4), together with their counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, met in Istanbul on 23 October 2026.
They discussed regional and international issues, including the US/Israel-Iran conflict, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for a negotiated two-state solution. The agenda also included Houthi militia attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of Yemen, the safety and freedom of navigation, and heightened tensions in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab El Mandeb and the Black Sea.
The ministers said they would continue contributing to diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability in the region and beyond, and to address the security, economic and trade implications of these issues.
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They agreed on the urgent need to address regional conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation. In line with relevant UN resolutions, they emphasized the need for lasting negotiated solutions to all outstanding conflicts.
The ministers agreed to continue dialogue in this format to help prevent conflicts and advance peace and stability in the region.
