Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Istanbul on Friday to discuss bilateral ties and regional security ahead of R-4 and European foreign ministers’ meetings.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said that the two leaders exchanged views on developments in the Middle East, particularly Palestine, and stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to promote regional peace and stability.
They strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their commitment to closer coordination under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
The expanded R-4-plus-E-3 meeting, bringing together Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Britain, France, Germany and Italy, will focus on regional crises, the US-Iran conflict and maritime security, particularly freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb.
During his one-day visit, Dar is also scheduled to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and hold bilateral talks with other foreign ministers.
Pakistan’s participation reflects its commitment to diplomatic engagement, regional cooperation and the peaceful resolution of disputes, the FO said.