Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt push for Middle East peace

ISTANBUL:Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East, reaffirming their commitment to diplomatic efforts to restore regional peace and stability and calling for the swift implementation of a two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict.

The four countries’ foreign ministers met in Istanbul for an R4 meeting, where they discussed regional developments and issued a joint statement outlining their shared position on the conflicts affecting the Middle East and surrounding areas.

According to the statement, the ministers agreed to maintain close consultation and coordination on regional issues, stressing that negotiations and diplomacy remain the only viable way to resolve the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

They also urged all parties to avoid targeting civilians, civilian infrastructure and commercial vessels, warning that further escalation could deepen instability across the region.

The ministers expressed support for the memorandum of understanding reached in Pakistan, according to the joint statement.

Condemn Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping

The four countries strongly condemned attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia, particularly those targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

They also criticised Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, saying such actions were worsening Yemen’s humanitarian crisis and threatening regional security.

The statement called on the Houthis to immediately halt military operations and attacks. The ministers also expressed full solidarity with Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Saudi Arabia.

Call for safe passage through Strait of Hormuz

The ministers stressed that freedom of navigation and safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz must be protected, calling for the immediate and full restoration of safe, uninterrupted shipping through the strategic waterway.

They warned that disruptions to maritime routes could affect global supply chains and the transportation of energy, fertilisers and food, with consequences extending far beyond the Middle East.

The four countries rejected measures that obstruct lawful maritime traffic and emphasised the importance of keeping vital shipping routes open.

Renew support for Palestinian statehood

On the Palestinian issue, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia reiterated their support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state.

They called for the early implementation of a two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.

The ministers also said Israel’s occupation remained a fundamental source of instability in the region and beyond, urging an end to attempts to alter Jerusalem’s legal and historical status.

The Istanbul meeting underscored the four countries’ shared emphasis on diplomatic engagement, regional coordination and a political settlement to the conflicts threatening Middle Eastern security.