Fidan to host first-ever R4–E3 foreign ministers' talks in Istanbul

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will host his counterparts from Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Britain, France and Germany in Istanbul on Friday 23 October for talks on regional conflicts, a Turkish diplomatic source said on Thursday.

It will be the first meeting of the seven countries in this format, convened at Turkey’s initiative, as wars involving Iran, Yemen and Ukraine threaten shipping routes and regional security, Reuters reported.

The ministers are expected to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian issue, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, developments in Yemen, efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, and opportunities for closer cooperation between the regional and European countries.

Fidan is expected to press for a diplomatic solution to the war between the United States and Iran, stress freedom of navigation in the straits of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, and reaffirm Turkey’s support for Saudi Arabia’s security against Houthi attacks under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

He will also tell counterparts that Turkey has been working to stop the Ukraine war spreading to the Black Sea.

According to Daily Sabah, attendees will include German Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul, British Foreign Minister Ed Miliband, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

On Palestine, Fidan is expected to criticise Israel’s occupation and settlement expansion and warn against actions undermining Jerusalem’s status, while arguing that Washington–Tehran tensions can only be resolved through dialogue.

Sources

• Reuters: Turkey to host regional and European foreign ministers for talks on regional conflicts
• Daily Sabah: FM Fidan to chair first-ever R4-E3 talks in Istanbul