R4, European Ministers Call for Dialogue to Resolve Regional Conflicts
R4 and European powers urge de-escalation, maritime security and diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts.
Türkiye, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt join France, Germany, Italy and UK in Istanbul meeting; ministers stress de-escalation, maritime security and a negotiated two-state solution
ISTANBUL: (News Pulse) Foreign ministers of Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, collectively known as R4, held talks with their counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom in Istanbul on October 23, 2026, to discuss escalating regional tensions, ongoing conflicts and threats to maritime security.
According to a joint press release issued after the meeting, the ministers discussed a range of regional and international issues, including the US-Israel-Iran conflict, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, attacks by Houthi militias against Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government, and growing security concerns surrounding key maritime routes.
The discussions also focused on the need for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as ensuring the safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Black Sea.
The ministers expressed their commitment to continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond. They also emphasized the importance of addressing the security, economic and trade implications of the ongoing conflicts and rising tensions.
Calling for urgent measures to prevent further escalation, the participating foreign ministers stressed that regional disputes should be addressed through dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation rather than confrontation.
They further underscored the need to pursue lasting, negotiated solutions to outstanding conflicts in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and other applicable UN resolutions.
The meeting brought together representatives of eight countries, reflecting a joint effort to strengthen diplomatic coordination on regional security challenges and their wider international consequences.
The ministers agreed to continue consultations in the R4-plus-European format, with the aim of preventing conflicts, supporting diplomatic solutions and advancing peace and stability across the region.
The Istanbul meeting comes amid heightened concerns over regional security, maritime navigation and the potential economic and trade consequences of prolonged conflicts. The participants reaffirmed their willingness to contribute to diplomatic initiatives designed to ease tensions and support sustainable regional stability.
