Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has said that during a quadrilateral meeting held to discuss the Iran war, the foreign ministers of Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan reaffirmed unity to contain the regional situation, reduce the risk of military escalations and create conditions for structured negotiations between relevant parties.

In a statement at the conclusion of the second meeting of foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and Pakistan on Sunday, he said the ministers advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable pathway to prevent conflicts and to promote regional peace and harmony.

“We called for upholding principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states,” he remarked.

He said he held very productive bilateral meetings with the visiting foreign ministers.

This was the second meeting for consultations among the foreign ministers who had earlier met in Riyadh on March 19.

He said the foreign ministers held a very detailed and in-depth discussion on the current regional situation and reviewed the possible ways to bring an early and permanent end to the war in the region.

The ministers expressed concern that the ongoing Middle East conflict was extremely unfortunate for its devastating impact on lives and livelihood across the wider region, he said, adding, “We agreed that this war is not in favour of anyone and would only lead to death and destruction. The unity of the Muslim Ummah in these challenging times is of utmost importance.”

The foreign minister briefed the visiting foreign ministers on the prospects of potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad, and they expressed their full support for the initiative.

Ishaq Dar said the ministers also discussed ways and means to further strengthen mutual cooperation among the four brotherly countries. 

He underscored his profound gratitude to the foreign ministers for their support of Pakistan’s efforts for peace in the region.

He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan has maintained regular engagement with the regional and international partners.

“Pakistan has remained actively involved in all efforts and initiatives aimed at bringing this conflict to an end,” he said.

“Pakistan also has a very important relationship with the United States. We have remained actively engaged with the US leadership as well, as part of our efforts to de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” Dar added.

The foreign minister said, “In this context, Pakistan is very happy that both Iran and the US have expressed their confidence in Pakistan to facilitate the talks.”

“Pakistan will be honoured to host and facilitate meaningful talks between the two sides in the coming days, for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the ongoing conflict,” he added.

Dar said that he had a detailed telephonic conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and China fully supported Pakistan’s initiative to host Iran-US talks.

“Similarly, I had a telephonic conversation with the United Nations’ secretary-general. The secretary-general has expressed his full support for the peace initiative by Pakistan. I have also held several telephone conversations with my counterparts from different countries around the world. They have all extended their full support and confidence in our efforts,” he stated.

Dar said, “There is a strong appreciation and support among all our friends for the efforts being made by Pakistan. We will continue our efforts with sincerity and commitment.”

Concluding his statement, he said, “Pakistan will require prayers and support of the entire international community for the success of its endeavour to achieve peace and bring a permanent end to this war.”