R-4 foreign ministers welcome Islamabad MoU, back Palestinian statehood

The foreign ministers of Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey met in Cairo on Sunday for the Fourth R-4 Consultative Meeting, welcoming the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the United States and Iran on June 18, 2026 and reaffirming their support for regional stability and an independent Palestinian state.

What did the R-4 foreign ministers say about the Islamabad MoU?

The R-4 ministers welcomed the Islamabad MoU as an important step toward de-escalation and the resolution of tensions that had threatened regional security, global energy markets, and international trade. They stressed the importance of full implementation and called for a swift conclusion to the next phase of negotiations toward a lasting, verifiable settlement.

The meeting was held at Egypt's invitation and brought together Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar alongside his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt. The ministers expressed appreciation to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for his guidance on collective efforts to enhance stability across the Middle East.

Pakistan received particular praise for its instrumental role in facilitating the Islamabad MoU. Qatar was also recognised for its support in bringing the negotiations to a successful conclusion. The ministers further acknowledged Pakistan's continued coordination with partner countries throughout the diplomatic process.

What are the R-4 ministers asking for in the next phase of talks?

Building on the Islamabad MoU, the ministers called for the next round of negotiations to account for the security concerns of Gulf Arab States and Levant countries. They described dialogue, diplomacy, and regional cooperation as essential tools for advancing long-term stability across the Middle East.

The meeting devoted significant attention to the Palestinian cause, which the ministers described as central to achieving lasting peace in the region. They reviewed the humanitarian and political situation in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, reiterating their support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

The four countries reaffirmed their backing for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. They agreed to continue close consultations on regional issues and maintain coordinated diplomatic engagement.