Ishaq Dar urges regional de-escalation as R4 Bloc meets European powers in Istanbul

— Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has underlined the importance of enhanced diplomatic efforts for de-escalation in the region and promotion of peace and stability during the high level discussions of eight countries in Turkiye.

The Istanbul meeting brought together foreign ministers from Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, known together as the R4 group, along with their counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Talks on Friday focused on developments in the Gulf area and their social and economic ramifications and the need for concerted diplomatic measures to counter rising security threats. The talks come under the backdrop of the US-Israeli war against Iran and mounting concerns over regional stability and key international maritime lanes.

The Foreign Office of Pakistan said Dar briefed his counterparts about the ongoing diplomatic contacts and mediation efforts by Islamabad to de-escalate tensions, avert a resumption of hostilities and promote regional peace. The eight foreign ministers agreed to keep consultations going in the enlarged meeting format.

Gulf Security Services

The Istanbul meeting was the first between the R4 group and the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy and Britain. The R4 group, formed in March, has concentrated on regional security and diplomatic mediation, including work on tensions between the United States and Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for world oil shipments, was high on the agenda. A spokesman for British foreign minister Ed Miliband said he will press for a diplomatic solution to the problem that would restore full navigational rights and freedoms.

The British side also expressed concern over attacks on Saudi Arabia and the implications for other vital waterways such as Bab el-Mandeb and the Suez Canal. Any disturbance at these maritime chokepoints could exert further pressure on international commerce and trade.

France said the conference was the first in this kind, in a context of major regional instability and uncertainty. Its foreign ministry said the meetings are intended at enhancing collaboration among European and Middle Eastern states on situations that impact both areas.

Turkiye was also likely to highlight the significance of the freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, as well as the need for diplomacy in dealing with the US-Iran dispute.

R4 reiterates Saudi backing

Dar also participated in the extended meeting and the sixth meeting of the R4 foreign ministers with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The four ministers discussed developments since their last meeting in New York in September, with particular emphasis on the Middle East, regional crises and related security challenges.