Dar to attend first R4+E3 meeting in Istanbul

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to attend a series of diplomatic meetings in Istanbul

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to attend a series of diplomatic meetings in Istanbul on Friday, bringing together Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and three major European powers to discuss regional conflicts and international security.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Dar will participate in a meeting of foreign ministers from Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, followed by the first gathering of the expanded R4+E3 format. The meetings are being held at the invitation of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

The expanded grouping includes the United Kingdom, France and Germany alongside the four regional countries. The seven-nation meeting aims to strengthen diplomatic coordination and explore joint approaches to regional challenges.

The discussions come amid rising tensions involving Iran, Yemen and the wider Middle East. Regional security, energy supplies, maritime trade routes and efforts to prevent further escalation are expected to feature prominently on the agenda.

The ministers are also expected to discuss the Palestinian issue, the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, developments in Yemen and diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. They will explore opportunities for closer cooperation between the regional and European powers.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a major focus of international concern amid the confrontation between Iran and the United States. Any disruption to the strategic waterway could affect global energy supplies and international shipping. Meanwhile, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have added to concerns about regional stability.

The security of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is another important issue, as the passage serves as a vital route for global trade and energy shipments. Further escalation could threaten maritime traffic and increase pressure on international supply chains.

Fidan is expected to emphasise the need for diplomatic engagement and dialogue to resolve regional disputes. Türkiye is also likely to stress the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb open to international shipping.

The Turkish foreign minister is further expected to reaffirm support for Saudi Arabia’s security following Houthi attacks and urge countries to prevent regional conflicts from spreading into other areas.

Dar is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts on the sidelines of the gathering.

Pakistan’s participation reflects Islamabad’s efforts to promote regional cooperation, constructive diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution. The Istanbul meetings will provide an opportunity for regional and European powers to exchange views on shared security concerns and coordinate their diplomatic responses.