Post by : Shweta
Four Countries Hold Talks in Istanbul
Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt and Pakistan called for renewed diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions across the Middle East during talks in Istanbul on Friday, October 23, 2026. In a joint statement reported by Arab News, the four countries described the Israeli occupation as a major source of regional instability and called for coordinated international efforts to address ongoing conflicts.
Ministers Renew Call for a Two-State Solution
The four countries reiterated their support for an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They called for urgent progress towards a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The ministers also urged a halt to the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, an end to settler attacks and the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, alongside reconstruction efforts.
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Diplomacy Urged to Prevent Further Escalation With Iran
The ministers called for renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. They stressed that the crisis should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. The joint statement also reaffirmed support for the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed by Washington and Tehran in June, urging both sides to work towards a lasting negotiated settlement.
Saudi Arabia and Yemen Feature in Regional Security Discussions
The four foreign ministers condemned what they described as an unacceptable escalation by Yemen's Houthi movement, including attacks on civilians and vital infrastructure in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. They expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and Yemen's internationally recognised government, calling on the Houthis to halt military activities and return to negotiations. The statement came amid reported concerns about renewed Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz Navigation Concerns
The ministers also condemned attacks on international commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait. They warned that restrictions on maritime navigation could disrupt global supply chains, including shipments of oil, food and fertilisers. They called for the restoration of safe and unhindered passage through the Strait of Hormuz and rejected actions that obstruct lawful international shipping.
Saudi and Pakistani Foreign Ministers Hold Separate Meeting
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate talks in Istanbul with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. According to the Saudi Press Agency, their discussions covered bilateral relations, regional developments and the situation in Yemen. They condemned Houthi attacks targeting civilian locations in Saudi Arabia and discussed efforts to reduce regional tensions and protect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab.
Countries Emphasise Coordination for Regional Stability
The four countries agreed to continue consultations and coordinate efforts aimed at easing regional tensions and strengthening security. The report also noted the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye in August. The agreement states that an armed attack against one of the three countries is considered an attack against all three. The Istanbul discussions reflect the countries' stated preference for coordinated diplomatic efforts to address regional challenges.
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