Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey back Saudi sovereignty after Houthi attacks
Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and backed Riyadh’s sovereignty at the sixth R-4 meeting in Istanbul
Azhar Khan
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Azhar Khan is a journalist with over 14 years of experience across print, electronic, and predominantly digital media. He has recently held key editorial roles at leading media organizations.
At the sixth R-4 meeting, the ministers condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia and stressed the importance of respecting state sovereignty.
Source: Foreign Office
Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey reaffirmed their support for Riyadh’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on Friday, following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The R-4 grouping made the commitment at its sixth meeting in Istanbul, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said.
How did the R-4 ministers respond to the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia?
At the sixth R-4 meeting, the ministers condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia and stressed the importance of respecting state sovereignty. They also discussed closer regional coordination and diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting lasting peace and stability, according to the Pakistani ministry.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 participated in the 6th R4 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Istanbul today, alongside H.E. Hakan Fidan of Türkiye, H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, and H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty of Egypt.The Ministers reviewed regional developments since their last meeting in New York, with particular focus on the situation in the Middle East and related security challenges/ conflicts.The Ministers expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also condemned the Houthi attacks targeting the Kingdom and underscored the importance of respecting state sovereignty.They discussed ways to strengthen regional coordination and advance diplomatic efforts to promote lasting peace, security, and stability.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 23, 2026
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended the talks alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The meeting also covered developments in the Middle East and security challenges since the grouping’s previous meeting in New York in September, the Foreign Office said in a statement on social media.
The R-4 grouping, established in March, brings together Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. It focuses on regional security and efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran.
What did Ishaq Dar discuss in his bilateral talks in Istanbul?
Dar also held separate discussions with Fidan and Abdelatty on the sidelines of the Istanbul meetings, covering regional and international developments, the Foreign Office said. In his meeting with Fidan, he thanked Turkey for hosting the diplomatic gatherings.
The two ministers discussed bilateral ties and the situation in the Middle East, particularly Palestine. They stressed the need for dialogue and coordinated diplomatic efforts to address threats to regional stability.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held his first meeting in Istanbul today with H.E. Hakan Fidan, Foreign Minister of Türkiye.The DPM/FM thanked FM Hakan Fidan for Türkiye’s hosting of the R-4 Ministerial Meeting and the R4+ meeting with Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom in Istanbul.The DPM/FM conveyed condolences over the loss of lives caused by flash floods following heavy rains in Türkiye and wished a swift recovery to those affected.The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East and Palestine. They expressed concern over threats to regional stability and underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and coordinated efforts to promote regional peace and security.The two sides also strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on regional issues, including under the Makkah Defence Agreement among Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Türkiye, and to deepening cooperation across all areas of mutual interest, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 23, 2026
They also condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and pledged closer cooperation on regional matters, including under the Makkah Defense Agreement, the Foreign Office said. Both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening ties and expanding cooperation in bilateral and multilateral forums.
In talks with Abdelatty, Dar exchanged views with his Egyptian counterpart on regional and international developments, the ministry added.
What is the R-4-plus meeting with European countries?
The R-4 meeting is being accompanied by talks involving the four countries and European counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, in a format referred to as R-4-plus.
The expanded gathering will be the first meeting involving all seven countries in this format, according to the Foreign Office.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 participated today in the first meeting in Istanbul with the Foreign Ministers of the R4 (Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt), along with their counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.The meeting provided an opportunity for exchange of views on regional developments in the Gulf region, their social and economic impacts, and the urgent need to foster diplomatic engagement to resolve regional challenges of peace, security, and stability. The DPM/FM briefed his counterparts on the diplomatic and mediatory role Pakistan continues to play in de-escalating tensions, preventing resumption of hostilities and promoting peace.All Ministers agreed for continued engagement in this format.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 23, 2026
The discussions are intended to explore coordinated diplomatic responses to regional challenges and advance peace and stability. Britain, France and Germany form the E-3 grouping, established more than two decades ago to coordinate diplomacy on Iran’s nuclear program. Italy is also participating in the expanded talks.
Dar travelled to Istanbul at Fidan’s invitation. Upon arrival, he was received by Cihad Erginay, director general at Turkey's foreign ministry, and Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires, Shaiq Ahmed, the Foreign Office said.
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