ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt convened in Islamabad to explore potential solutions for a swift and lasting cessation of hostilities in the region. The foreign ministers of the four countries emphasized the urgency of curbing the ongoing conflict, which they agreed is detrimental to all parties involved.

According to Radio Pakistan, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar announced the outcomes of the quadrilateral meeting, expressing concern over the conflict’s severe impact on regional lives and economies. The ministers collectively underscored the importance of unity among the Muslim Ummah during these challenging times and stressed that the continuation of war would lead only to further devastation.

The foreign ministers committed to mitigating the risk of military escalation and fostering conditions conducive to negotiations among involved parties. They expressed unanimous support for dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means to prevent further conflicts and to promote peace in the region. Additionally, the ministers reiterated their commitment to the principles outlined in the UN Charter, specifically the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

To further enhance cooperation, a committee comprising senior officials from the respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs was established to develop a mutual consensus on the modalities of collaboration. The Deputy Prime Minister extended gratitude to the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt for supporting Pakistan’s peace efforts.

Dar also briefed the officials on the potential for US-Iran talks in Islamabad, which received backing from the visiting ministers. He highlighted Pakistan’s active engagement with the United States and other international partners in seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Both Iran and the US have expressed confidence in Pakistan’s role as a facilitator for these talks, which Pakistan is prepared to host in the near future.

In related diplomatic efforts, Dar reported conducting telephonic conversations with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, both of whom conveyed their support for Pakistan’s peace initiatives. The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged the global backing for Pakistan’s efforts and called for continuous international support and prayers to achieve a permanent resolution to the conflict.