ISLAMABAD: A quadrilateral meeting of foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt on Sunday called for an immediate and permanent end to the ongoing war in the Middle East, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said.
In a televised address after the meeting held in Islamabad, Dar said the moot discussed a range of issues, particularly efforts to ease rising regional tensions amid the US-Israeli war on Iran.
The meeting was attended by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
Dar said participants agreed that war served no one’s interests and discussed ways to bring an early and lasting end to the conflict. He added that all sides stressed dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path forward.
The deputy prime minister said discussions focused on de-escalation and regional stability, adding that visiting ministers were also briefed on prospects of potential negotiations between the United States and Iran, with Pakistan offering to facilitate the process.
He noted that both Tehran and Washington had expressed confidence in Pakistan’s role in supporting diplomatic efforts. Dar also confirmed holding a detailed telephonic conversation with China’s foreign minister as part of ongoing engagement.
Urging all countries to respect sovereignty and security in line with the United Nations Charter, Dar said the evolving situation highlighted the need for unity within the Muslim world.
Separately, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following the meeting.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier conveyed his regards for King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and greetings for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Shehbaz appreciated Riyadh’s restraint during the ongoing crisis and assured that Pakistan would stand shoulder to shoulder with the kingdom. He also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, including mediation efforts to bring the United States and Iran to the negotiating table.
The prime minister stressed Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the Muslim world and underscored the need for unity among Islamic countries at a critical time.
The meeting comes as Islamabad steps up efforts to open a diplomatic window to end the more than month-long war between the United States, Israel and Iran, which began on February 28 and has impacted the broader Middle East.
Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran, relaying messages between the two sides alongside Turkiye and Egypt.
Earlier, Dar confirmed that indirect talks between the United States and Iran were underway through Pakistan’s facilitation. However, Iran has rejected a US proposal, maintaining that it would end the conflict on its own terms and timeline.