UPDATE - German FM hails Istanbul talks, says European, regional powers will meet again
- Wadephul says the first E4+R4 format meeting surpassed expectations, participants agreed on regular talks; next meeting to be hosted by Germany
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- Wadephul says the first E4+R4 format meeting surpassed expectations, participants agreed on regular talks; next meeting to be hosted by Germany
UPDATES WITH WADEPHUL REMARKS ON IRAN, HOUTHIS AND BLACK SEA GRAIN SHIPMENTS
By Ayhan Simsek
BERLIN (AA) - Germany’s foreign minister said on Friday that talks in Istanbul between European and regional powers were successful, with participants agreeing to hold regular meetings to discuss solutions to international conflicts.
“This succeeded better than we hoped for. It went so well that we agreed to meet regularly from now on,” Johann Wadephul told reporters in Istanbul. “The next meeting will take place in Germany. Everyone accepted my invitation.”
The meeting brought together the foreign ministers of Germany, France and the UK — known as the E3 powers — plus Italy on the European side, and the regional powers Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia (R4).
“The effects of the conflicts are being felt drastically by all eight states in their respective countries. Naturally, these impacts appear in different ways,” Wadephul said, referring to the impact of the US-Iran war on regional security and oil prices, as well as the Russia-Ukraine war’s effect on grain exports and the threat of famine in Africa.
“And these have made it clear that there is an urgent need to prevent a renewed escalation of all these conflicts,” he said. “In the coming days, we intend to work with all our interlocutors to encourage a return to the negotiating table rather than a resort to arms. However, as I noted this morning, there is, of course, no simple, ready-made solution.”
The top diplomat underlined that all eight countries agree there is an urgent need for closer consultations — not only to exchange views, but also to explore new approaches, formulate common positions and better coordinate their diplomatic efforts.
Wadephul renewed his call on Iran to change its stance, set aside maximalist demands and seriously engage in diplomatic negotiations. “The world is once again looking toward the Middle East with great concern,” he said. “This is directed above all at Iran and the Houthis, who must stop firing on ships, airports, infrastructure or simply their neighbors.”
He also warned that the Russia-Ukraine war’s expansion to the Black Sea is threatening grain exports, driving up food prices and raising the risk of famine in Africa.
“It is time to end the appalling attacks on grain shipments in the Black Sea, with which Putin is knowingly creating another crisis in the Global South,” he claimed, adding that the Istanbul meeting included a lengthy discussion on the topic.
“We agreed that we would do everything together to enable both Russian and Ukrainian grain to be exported. It is urgently needed and is in everyone’s interest,” he said. “New routes must now be found, and everyone wants to help ensure that maritime routes through the Black Sea can be established.”
Ayhan Şimşek