The foreign ministers of Egypt, Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia called for diplomatic efforts to address regional conflicts and promote peace and stability, in a joint statement issued after meeting in Istanbul on Friday.
The ministers, known as the R4 Group, said their discussions were guided by the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter.
They said the Israeli occupation was the fundamental source of instability in the region and beyond, and that Israeli policies had created a deep sense of injustice in global public opinion.
The ministers called for the early implementation of a two-state solution in line with relevant UN resolutions. They reiterated support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and to establish an independent, sovereign, viable and contiguous state on the basis of the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
They called for an urgent end to ongoing Israeli violence, attempts to change Jerusalem’s legal and historical status, and further destruction and humanitarian tragedy in Palestine. They condemned past and current settlement activity in the West Bank and Jerusalem, as well as settler violence against Palestinians, and called for uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza and its reconstruction.
On Yemen, the ministers condemned what they called an unacceptable escalation by the Houthi militia, saying it had deepened humanitarian suffering. They also condemned continued Houthi strikes against Saudi Arabia, particularly those targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, and attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb.
They expressed full solidarity with Yemen’s government and Saudi Arabia, and urged the Houthis to immediately stop all military actions, threats and attacks and return to the political process in good faith.
Regarding the military conflict between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, as well as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, the ministers said the conflict must be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy. They also called for civilians, civilian infrastructure and vessels to be protected from attack.
The ministers expressed support for the Islamabad memorandum of understanding and welcomed continued diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. They reaffirmed their commitment to a lasting negotiated solution.
They stressed the importance of freedom of navigation, permanent maritime safety and security, and safeguarding navigational rights and freedoms. Disruptions to sea lanes threatened the security and prosperity of all, they said, by blocking global supply chains and flows of energy, fertiliser and food, affecting vulnerable populations in the region and beyond. They called for collective international efforts to address these challenges.
The ministers rejected measures or restrictions that impair lawful navigation and called for the swift and full resumption of safe, secure and unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
They agreed to maintain close consultation and co-ordination on the issues.
