By Iftikhar Mashwani
ISLAMABAD / ISTANBUL: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to diplomatic engagement and mediation to ease regional tensions, prevent renewed hostilities and promote lasting peace during a multilateral meeting of foreign ministers in Istanbul.
Dar attended the inaugural meeting alongside foreign ministers from the R4 countries — Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt — as well as representatives from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.
The discussions focused on the evolving situation in the Gulf, its broader social and economic consequences, and the urgent need for coordinated diplomatic efforts to safeguard regional peace, security and stability.
During the meeting, Dar briefed participating ministers on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic initiatives and mediatory efforts to reduce tensions, avert further escalation and create favourable conditions for a peaceful settlement of regional disputes.
The participating ministers stressed the importance of sustained dialogue and diplomatic cooperation in addressing regional challenges. They also agreed to continue consultations through the same multilateral framework to maintain engagement and explore avenues for promoting stability.
The Istanbul meeting underscores continued cooperation between regional and European countries as they seek to address Gulf security concerns and mitigate the wider consequences of regional instability.
