Pakistan, R4 partners call Israeli occupation source of regional instability, urge diplomacy on Iran conflict

ISTANBUL/ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and three other R4 countries on Friday described Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories as the main source of instability in the region and beyond, called for an independent Palestinian state and urged a diplomatic resolution to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The position was outlined in a joint statement issued after a ministerial meeting of the R4 group, comprising Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, in Istanbul on October 23. The foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability in the region in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The ministers reiterated support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable state. They called for a two-state solution based on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state.

The joint statement called for an end to Israeli violence and destruction in the occupied Palestinian territories, condemned settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, and denounced violence by Israeli settlers. The ministers also stressed the need for uninterrupted humanitarian assistance and reconstruction in Gaza and opposed any attempt to alter the status of Jerusalem.

The meeting was attended by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, alongside the foreign ministers of Turkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The ministers also discussed regional and international developments and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

The statement addressed the situation in Yemen, condemning Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, particularly those targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The four countries expressed solidarity with Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Saudi Arabia, calling on the Houthis to halt military operations, threats and attacks and return to the political process in good faith.

On the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, the ministers called for an urgent diplomatic resolution, stressing that disputes should be addressed through dialogue rather than further military escalation. They expressed support for the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and welcomed diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing the conflict from widening and securing a lasting negotiated settlement.

The ministers stressed the need to protect civilians, civilian infrastructure and vessels, while reaffirming the importance of freedom of navigation and maritime security. They warned that disruption to maritime routes could threaten global supply chains, including the movement of energy, fertiliser and food, with consequences for vulnerable populations in the region and beyond.

The statement rejected restrictions that impede lawful navigation and called for the swift and full resumption of safe, secure and unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies. The ministers emphasised the need for continued international coordination to address threats to maritime security.

Following the R4 meeting, Dar and the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom also held discussions in Istanbul on regional and global developments and diplomatic engagement.

The foreign ministers subsequently called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Dar conveyed greetings from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and thanked Erdoğan for Turkiye’s hospitality.

Dar reaffirmed the special bond, longstanding friendship and strategic cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye. Erdoğan welcomed the visiting ministers and appreciated their deliberations under the R4 and expanded R4+E4 formats, which provided an opportunity to exchange views on regional and international developments and explore diplomatic approaches to ongoing challenges.

The participating countries agreed to maintain close consultation and coordination on the issues discussed, stressing the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement amid continuing regional tensions.