Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt stress importance of swift conclusion to 'current phase' of US-Iran talks

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt on Sunday welcomed the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran during a Regional Four (R-4) meeting in Cairo, emphasising the importance of achieving a “swift and successful” conclusion to the subsequent phase of negotiations.

The meeting came the same day as Pakistan, along with c0-mediator Qatar, hosted delegations from the US and Iran in Switzerland for high-level technical talks ironing out the details of the MoU.

On Friday, the FO had announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar would attend the fourth meeting of foreign ministers in Cairo on June 21 at the invitation of his Egyptian counterpart.

In a joint statement issued by the participating nations, shared by the Foreign Office on X, the R-4 meet which convened in Cairo on Sunday at the invitation of Egypt, welcomed the signing of the Islamabad MoU.

The participating nations viewed the important development as a “constructive step towards de-escalation and towards ending a conflict which posed significant risks to regional security and stability, as well as to energy markets, international maritime routes, global supply chains, and international trade.”

In this context, the statement said that the foreign ministers commended the “efforts undertaken by regional and international actors that contributed to facilitating the understanding and emphasised the importance of the faithful implementation of the commitments undertaken by the parties concerned”.

“The ministers lauded the instrumental efforts of Pakistan in reaching this historic outcome, along with the support extended by Qatar to bring about a successful conclusion to the negotiations on the MoU.

“The Ministers also commended the continued and close coordination of Pakistan with them on this important issue,” it said.

Building on this positive momentum, the statement said that the particular emphasis was placed on the “importance of achieving a swift and successful conclusion to the subsequent phase of negotiations, which aims to reach a lasting, verifiable, and mutually acceptable solution to the remaining issues”.

The ministers emphasised that such efforts should take into account the concerns of countries of the region, particularly with regard to the security and stability of the Gulf Arab States, as well as the Levant region, with a view to strengthening collective security and promoting long-term regional stability, it added.

“Reaffirming the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the achievement of peace, security, and stability in the Middle East, the ministers underscored that the Palestinian cause remains at the heart of efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region and constitutes a central pillar for the realisation of a stable and secure regional order,” the statement said.

In this regard, it added that particular attention was devoted to the humanitarian and political situation in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem under occupation.

“The ministers reiterated their support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as an indispensable foundation for achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions,” the statement concluded.

Focus on advancing practical cooperation within R-4 framework: FO

Meanwhile, in a separate statement on X, the FO shared an update about FM Dar’s participation in the R-4 meet, saying that the foreign ministers reviewed progress on the Islamabad MoU, exchanged views on key regional and global developments, and reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and collective efforts for regional peace, stability, and prosperity.”

It added that the discussions also focused on “strengthening coordination and advancing practical cooperation within the R-4 framework to address shared challenges and opportunities”.

On the sidelines, it stated that FM Dar had also called on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, where, besides bilateral matters, discussions were held on regional developments and cooperation under the R-4 platform.

“Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye & Egypt are strengthening partnerships, advancing diplomacy, and building consensus for a more peaceful and connected region,” it said, adding, “A joint statement was also issued at the conclusion of the meeting.”

Meeting with Egyptian president

The Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was jointly called on by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt, after the culmination of the R-4 foreign ministers’ meeting in Cairo.

During the meeting, FM Dar conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to President El-Sisi, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding, brotherly, and multifaceted relations with Egypt, the FO said.

“FM Dar noted with appreciation the positive momentum generated through recent high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Egypt, which have contributed to deepening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors,” the statement added.

“He also welcomed President El-Sisi’s acceptance of the PM Shehbaz’s invitation to visit Pakistan and expressed the hope that the exchange of leadership visits between the two countries would take place at the earliest mutually convenient opportunity.”

Meanwhile, President El-Sisi appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible” role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and diplomatic engagement in the region, and commended the contributions of its leadership.

“President El-Sisi expressed the hope that ongoing efforts and next phase of negotiations would contribute to lasting peace, security, and prosperity across the wider region.”

The statement said that the meeting also focused on the consultations held among the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye under the R-4 framework.

“The leaders underscored the growing significance of the R-4 as an important platform for structured dialogue, strategic consultation, and policy coordination on issues of common interest.

“They expressed confidence that sustained engagement and collective efforts would contribute to promoting peace, stability, economic development, and regional prosperity, while advancing the shared interests of their countries and peoples,” it added.

“The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the close bonds of friendship and mutual respect among the participating countries,” the FO concluded. ...