Pakistan's Foreign Office has confirmed that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is in Istanbul on Friday for a new diplomatic format bringing seven foreign ministers together to discuss the region.
At the invitation of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Dar will first attend a meeting of the R4 countries, Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the Foreign Office said. That will be followed by a joint R4+E3 meeting with the United Kingdom, France and Germany. It is the first meeting of the seven countries in this format, according to the statement.
The ministers will review key regional developments and coordinated diplomatic strategies for tackling shared challenges and promoting peace and stability, the Foreign Office said. Dar will also hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts on the sidelines.
The meeting is hosted by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and brings in German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. According to Turkish media, the agenda includes the Palestinian issue, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, developments in Yemen and diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
"Pakistan's participation reflects its continued commitment to constructive diplomacy, regional cooperation and the peaceful resolution of disputes," the statement said.
The meeting comes as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and tensions linked to Iran keep the wider region on edge.