R4 foreign ministers’ meeting kicks off in Istanbul

By Mehmet Sah Yilmaz and Zehra Nur Celik

ANKARA (AA) - The R4 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, bringing together Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, began in Istanbul on Friday, chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

The R4 mechanism was established by Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on the basis of regional ownership, with the aim of supporting lasting stability and strengthening dialogue on regional issues.

- Fidan to highlight regional responsibilities

In his remarks at the meeting, Fidan is expected to stress that regional security requires countries in the region to take primary responsibility, adding that Türkiye prioritizes strengthening cooperation mechanisms based on regional ownership in line with this approach.

Fidan is likely to stress that existing disputes must not be allowed to fuel one another, conflicts must not spread to new areas, and regional tensions must not escalate into broader instability.

He is also expected to reiterate that Israel’s ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories, its uncompromising stance that undermines the international community’s peace efforts, and its aggression extending across the region are the main causes of tensions in the Middle East.

Fidan will likely reiterate that the dispute between the US and Iran can only be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue, stressing that military methods offer no lasting solution, exacerbate regional vulnerabilities and carry the risk of a wider conflict.

In response to recent Houthi attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, Fidan is expected to reaffirm Türkiye’s support for safeguarding Saudi security and highlight the importance of the solidarity and collective security approach demonstrated by the new Mecca Defense Alliance, formed in August between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Mehmet Şah Yılmaz