R4 bloc, European powers discuss developments in the Gulf in Istanbul meeting

Developments in the Gulf region amid the US-Israeli war on Iran came under discussion as the R4 foreign ministers — Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye — met with their counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. The R4 group, comprising Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, emerged in March and has been focusing on regional security and mediation efforts between the United States and Iran. According to the Foreign Office (FO), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar participated in the first meeting between the R4 and France, Germany, Italy and the UK. “The meeting provided an opportunity for exchange of views on regional developments in the Gulf region, their social and economic impacts, and the urgent need to foster diplomatic engagement to resolve regional challenges of peace, security and stability,” it said.

“Dar briefed his counterparts on the diplomatic and mediatory role Pakistan continues to play in de-escalating tensions, preventing resumption of hostilities and promoting peace. All ministers agreed for continued engagement in this format,” it said. The R4 bloc also held a separate meeting. According to the FO, Dar participated in the sixth R4 foreign ministers’ meeting alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, and Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. The ministers reviewed developments in the region since their last meeting in New York in September, with “particular focus on the situation in the Middle East and related security challenges and conflicts”, the FO said. They expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The FO added that the ministers also condemned the…