Eight countries agree to continue Istanbul ministerial talks
Foreign ministers from Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia met counterparts from Britain, France, Germany and Italy in Istanbul and agreed to continue the format. Talks covered regional wars and shipping security, including the Strait of Hormuz. Host Hakan Fidan urged diplomacy, while French and German ministers announced agreement on regular consultations across the two groups.
Geopolitics··Evening
Regional and European ministers meet in Istanbul
Foreign ministers from eight countries met in Istanbul and agreed to continue talks in the same format. Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, known as the R4 group, met counterparts from Britain, France, Germany and Italy. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted the gathering.[1], [2]
The meeting followed separate consultations within the smaller regional and European groups. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said participants had reached agreement after constructive discussions on regular meetings. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also announced the decision to maintain regular consultations.[1]
Fidan urges diplomacy over regional escalation
The agenda covered the Strait of Hormuz, the Palestinians, Yemen and the Russia–Ukraine war. After the meeting, Fidan argued that military intervention offered no solution and warned that another attack on Iran could spread the regional war. He called for Hormuz to reopen and attacks on Saudi Arabia to stop.[1]
Barrot warned that renewed escalation between Iran and the United States would harm all sides. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefed counterparts on diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions. Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia were among the central issues discussed.[1]
Shipping security forms part of the diplomatic agenda
Ministers addressed freedom of navigation in Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Black Sea. Fidan also emphasised the need for a ceasefire and peace agreement in Ukraine. The discussions included the effects of different wars on shipping, energy and security.[1]
Britain emphasised a diplomatic solution to the Hormuz crisis and restoration of navigational rights. France described its goal as strengthening coordination with the region’s governments. The ministers agreed to continue meeting in this format.[1]
