A high-level diplomatic engagement is underway in Islamabad as efforts intensify to de-escalate rising tensions in the Middle East, with foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey participating in four-nation talks hosted by Pakistan.
The Saudi Foreign Minister arrived in Islamabad to attend the meeting, landing at Noor Khan Air Base via a special aircraft. The visit of Saudi Foreign Minister Farhan bin Faisal is being viewed as significant in the context of the ongoing regional situation.
Prior to the multilateral session, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held separate meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, discussing regional developments and matters of mutual interest.
During his meeting with the Turkish foreign minister, Ishaq Dar highlighted the long-standing fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkey, noting that relations are rooted in shared history, culture and mutual respect. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.
The two sides also reviewed the broader regional situation, including developments related to Iran, and underscored the importance of dialogue and sustained diplomatic engagement for peace and stability.
They reaffirmed support for each other’s core national interests and agreed to maintain close contact to further deepen their strategic partnership.
In a separate meeting with Egypt’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar welcomed continued high-level engagement between the two countries and reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations. The two sides expressed satisfaction over progress following recent exchanges, including a visit by the Egyptian foreign minister in November 2025.
Both countries emphasized the need to enhance trade and investment ties through institutional mechanisms, including activating joint commissions and promoting business-to-business linkages.
Pakistan also appreciated Egypt’s cooperation in the health sector, particularly in efforts related to hepatitis C, and welcomed ongoing collaboration in defence and security training exchanges.
The leaders also exchanged views on the broader Middle East situation, reiterating the importance of restraint, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy for resolving conflicts. Pakistan reaffirmed its consistent support for the Palestinian people and strongly condemned ongoing developments in Gaza and the West Bank, while acknowledging Egypt’s role in facilitating humanitarian assistance.
The participating countries agreed to continue coordination on multilateral platforms, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and expressed a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.