Key issues on the agenda:

• US/Israel-Iran conflict and regional security
• Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a negotiated two-state solution
• Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and Yemen
• Safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb
• Escalating tensions in the Black Sea

ISTANBUL, OCT 24 /DNA/ — Foreign ministers from Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia — the so-called R4 group — met with their counterparts from France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom in Istanbul on October 23, 2026, for high-stakes regional security talks covering the Iran-Israel conflict, the Palestinian question, Houthi attacks, and freedom of navigation in key global waterways.

In a joint press release issued following the R4 Ministerial Meeting, the ministers said they discussed “various issues of regional and international importance,” including the US/Israel-Iran conflict, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for a negotiated two-state solution, “the appalling Houthi militia attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of Yemen,” safety and freedom of navigation, and escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Black Sea.

The ministers expressed their commitment to continue contributing to diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond, and to addressing the security, economic, and trade implications of these crises.

Diplomacy and de-escalation

According to the joint statement, the ministers agreed on the “urgent need to address regional conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation.” They emphasized, in accordance with relevant UN Resolutions, the need to find lasting negotiated solutions to all outstanding conflicts.

The ministers also agreed to continue the dialogue in this format “with a view to preventing conflicts and advancing peace and stability in the region.”

The Istanbul meeting brought together an unusual combination of regional and European powers, signaling a shared push for de-escalation amid heightened tensions across the Middle East and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the R4 Ministerial Meeting in Istanbul?
The R4 Ministerial Meeting was a gathering of foreign ministers from Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia (the R4), together with counterparts from France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, held in Istanbul on October 23, 2026.

Which countries participated in the Istanbul talks?
The talks brought together the R4 nations — Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia — alongside France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

What topics were discussed at the R4 Ministerial Meeting?
The ministers discussed the US/Israel-Iran conflict, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the two-state solution, Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and Yemen, freedom of navigation, and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Black Sea.

What was the outcome of the meeting?
The ministers agreed on the urgent need for dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation, emphasized lasting negotiated solutions in line with UN Resolutions, and agreed to continue the dialogue in this format to prevent conflicts and advance regional peace and stability.