Pakistan – Saudi Arabia – Egypt – Algeria – (Special Correspondent Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has vowed to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with North African nations Egypt and Algeria. He made this commitment during meetings with their foreign ministers on Tuesday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Dar is on a two-day visit to Jeddah, where he attended the 21st extraordinary session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers. In his speech, he strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza.
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On the sidelines of the OIC meeting, Dar met Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Algeria’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf. He described these discussions as “meaningful interactions” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhance ties through better connectivity and cooperation in diverse sectors.
The leaders also discussed the worsening situation in Palestine. They stressed the urgent need for humanitarian access, a ceasefire, and lasting peace, highlighting the importance of unity among Muslim nations during these challenging times.
At the OIC session, Dar criticized Israel’s “illegal expansionist mindset” and warned that its plan to take over Gaza City threatens peace in the region. He also presented seven key steps for the global community and Muslim countries to stop Israel’s war on Gaza and bring long-term peace to Palestine.
Pakistan fully supported a joint statement issued by 31 Arab and Islamic countries along with the OIC, Arab League, and Gulf Cooperation Council. The statement strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks about a so-called “Greater Israel.”
Algeria’s ambassador to the UN, Amar Bendjama, called for sanctions against Israel over its Gaza plan.
Pakistan shares deep cultural and religious bonds with Egypt and Algeria. Earlier this year, Pakistan and Egypt agreed to work together in the health sector, especially on Hepatitis C elimination. Egypt’s Al-Azhar University has also shown interest in opening a campus in Pakistan.
Dar also met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the sidelines of the OIC session. He praised Türkiye for its leadership role in chairing the OIC ministerial meeting. Both countries reaffirmed their support for Palestine and discussed the urgent need for humanitarian aid. They also expressed commitment to further strengthen Pakistan-Türkiye relations through multifaceted cooperation.
Dar held talks with several other friendly countries’ foreign ministers, including those of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Malaysia, and Bangladesh, focusing on regional peace and cooperation.
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