Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Stress Regional Coordination

NEW YORK: (News Desk) — The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to continued consultation and coordination to promote peace, security and stability in the Middle East and the wider region.

The four foreign ministers met in New York on September 21 on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and exchanged views on recent regional and international developments.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is in New York for the UN General Assembly high-level week from September 21 to 25. According to the Foreign Office, he is holding a series of engagements focused on regional and international peace and security.

The ministers expressed deep concern over continuing tensions and hostilities in the region, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain essential for achieving sustainable solutions.

They also underscored the importance of continued implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as part of efforts to promote lasting peace and regional stability. The four countries have been coordinating on regional security and stability through the Regional Four (R-4) framework, which has remained a platform for regular consultations among the foreign ministers.

The ministers strongly condemned attacks against Saudi Arabia, including recent Houthi attacks, and reaffirmed their support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.

They said Saudi Arabia has the right to defend its territory and population in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. They also stressed the need to ensure the safety and freedom of maritime navigation.

On Yemen, the four ministers reaffirmed their support for the internationally recognised government and the Presidential Leadership Council. They called for continued efforts to achieve security, stability and development through a political process and inclusive Yemeni dialogue involving all parties.

On Palestine, the ministers reiterated that the Palestinian issue remains central to achieving lasting peace, security and stability in the Middle East.

They reaffirmed support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and for the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable and contiguous Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The four countries had reiterated the same position during their previous consultations in Cairo.

Regarding Sudan, the ministers reaffirmed their support for the country’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity.

They stressed the importance of preserving Sudan’s national institutions and rejected parallel institutions or structures that, in their view, could undermine the country’s sovereignty and unity. They also called for an end to the illicit transfer of weapons, mercenaries and foreign fighters into Sudan.

The four foreign ministers agreed to maintain close coordination and continue consultations on regional and international developments, with the aim of strengthening collective security and promoting long-term stability in the region.