In a collaborative diplomatic effort, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, and Pakistan have called for immediate actions to establish an independent Palestinian state and address rising tensions across the Middle East. This call for peace and negotiation was made following a meeting held in Istanbul, where the ministers emphasized the importance of a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
The ministers expressed concern over ongoing Israeli settlement expansions in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, urging a halt to these activities and settler violence. Additionally, they stressed the necessity of ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Recognizing the broader regional dynamics, they advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, aiming to prevent further military escalation.
Beyond the Israeli-Palestinian issue, the ministers collectively condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and Yemen, which have targeted civilians and critical infrastructure. They urged the Houthis to cease military operations and return to the negotiating table. The meeting also covered concerns over maritime security, condemning attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The ministers warned that such disruptions could threaten global supply chains, particularly affecting the movement of essential commodities like oil, food, and fertilizers.
Emphasizing the need for secure maritime routes, the ministers called for the restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting its significance for international trade. In a separate bilateral discussion, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, discussed regional security and bilateral relations, reaffirming their commitment to peace, stability, and the protection of navigation across the region.
