Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, and Pakistan have jointly called for urgent diplomatic efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state and de-escalate tensions across the Middle East. This call came after a meeting held in Istanbul where the ministers reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution grounded in the 1967 borders, designating East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
The ministers demanded an immediate halt to Israeli settlement expansions in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, condemned settler violence, and urged for uninterrupted humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza. They emphasized the importance of resolving the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran through dialogue and diplomacy, advocating for a lasting and negotiated settlement to prevent further military escalation in the region.
Additionally, the four countries strongly condemned the Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and Yemen, particularly those targeting civilians and critical infrastructure. Expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia, they urged the Houthis to cease military operations and engage in negotiations.
The meeting also addressed maritime security concerns, condemning attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The ministers warned that disruptions to international shipping routes could threaten global supply chains and the movement of essential commodities, such as oil, food, and fertilizers. They called for the restoration of safe and unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the need to protect international maritime trade.
In a separate discussion, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, to talk about bilateral relations, the situation in Yemen, and regional security. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and promoting peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region.
