Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, and Pakistan have collectively called for urgent diplomatic efforts to establish a Palestinian state and de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. During recent talks in Istanbul, the foreign ministers of these nations emphasized their commitment to a two-state solution predicated on the 1967 borders, designating East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. They underscored the necessity of halting Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, stopping settler violence, and ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The ministers also stressed the importance of diplomacy in resolving ongoing regional conflicts, particularly those involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. They advocated for a peaceful, negotiated settlement to prevent further military escalations. This call for dialogue extended to condemning Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and Yemen, urging a cessation of military actions and a return to negotiations.
Maritime security emerged as a significant topic of discussion, with the ministers condemning attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. They warned that such disruptions threaten global supply chains and the movement of essential commodities like oil, food, and fertilizers. The meeting highlighted the need for safe and unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz to protect international maritime trade.
In a separate meeting, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, discussed bilateral relations and regional security, including the situation in Yemen. Both reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to support peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region.