Istanbul (TDI): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, in Istanbul on Friday ahead of diplomatic meetings involving the R-4 group and European powers to discuss regional security and coordinated diplomatic efforts.
According to Foreign Office (FO), Dar thanked Fidan for hosting the meetings, while the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East and Palestine.
They expressed concern over threats to regional stability and emphasized the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and coordinated efforts to promote peace and security.
The two foreign ministers also strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on regional issues, including under the Makkah Defense Agreement, the FO said.
Both leaders pledged to strengthen longstanding ties between Pakistan and Türkiye and deepen cooperation across areas of mutual interest, both bilaterally and through multilateral forums.
Dar arrived in Istanbul earlier Friday for a one-day visit at Fidan’s invitation. He was received by Cihad Erginay, director general at Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires, Shaiq Ahmed.
During his visit, Dar is scheduled to participate in a meeting of the R-4 foreign ministers, comprising Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, followed by discussions with European counterparts.
The R-4 grouping emerged in March 2026 and has focused on regional security and diplomatic efforts, including mediation between the United States and Iran.
Read More: Dar, Fidan Discuss Bilateral Ties and Regional Developments Ahead of R4 Talks
The subsequent meeting will bring together the four R-4 countries and representatives of the European E-3 group, comprising France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Italy will also participate, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
The FO described the gathering as the first meeting involving all seven countries in this format.
The E-3 grouping was established more than two decades ago to coordinate European diplomacy on Iran’s nuclear program. Its participation alongside the R-4 countries expands the forum’s scope to include broader regional developments and potential diplomatic responses.
Read More: Fidan Invites Dar to Istanbul Meeting With Saudi, Egyptian FMs
According to the FO, the meetings will focus on key regional issues and explore coordinated approaches to shared challenges, with the aim of advancing regional peace and stability.
Dar is also expected to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and hold bilateral discussions with other participating foreign ministers during his visit.
Pakistan’s participation reflects Islamabad’s stated commitment to constructive diplomacy, regional cooperation and the peaceful resolution of disputes, the Foreign Office said.
The meetings come amid continuing tensions in the Middle East and concerns about attacks affecting regional security. Bringing the R-4 countries together with European counterparts could provide an additional channel for diplomatic consultations on these issues.
However, the extent to which the discussions produce joint initiatives or coordinated action will depend on the positions of the participating governments and the outcomes of their deliberations.
