Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will host his counterparts from seven countries in Istanbul on Friday for the first-ever R4+E3 foreign ministers' meeting, bringing together Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia with Germany, the United Kingdom and France to discuss major regional crises and international security challenges.

The meeting follows a series of consultations among the R4 countries and marks the first time the four regional states and the three European powers will convene under a single diplomatic framework. Türkiye initiated the new format to strengthen dialogue and coordination on issues affecting the Middle East and beyond.

According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, participants will include German Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul, UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Palestine and regional crises to dominate talks

The ministers are expected to exchange views on the situation in Palestine, developments in the Strait of Hormuz, the conflict in Yemen and ongoing efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine war.

Regional security, maritime navigation, humanitarian issues and ways to enhance political coordination among participating countries are also expected to feature prominently during the discussions.

Fidan is expected to reiterate Türkiye's position that lasting peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without ending the occupation and attacks against the Palestinian people. He is also expected to underline the need to prevent the regional conflicts from expanding further and to call for greater international efforts to reduce tensions.

Diplomacy expected to be emphasized

The Turkish foreign minister is expected to stress that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path for resolving disputes between the United States and Iran, warning that further military escalation could threaten the security of the entire region.

The security of international maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait will also be among the key topics, given their importance for global energy supplies and international trade.

In addition, the ministers are expected to discuss developments in Syria, broader regional security issues and efforts to strengthen cooperation against common challenges.

First joint R4+E3 platform

The R4 mechanism has previously met on several occasions, most recently on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Friday's gathering will be the first meeting bringing together both the R4 countries and the three major European powers under the R4+E3 format.

Türkiye hopes the new diplomatic platform will provide a regular mechanism for consultation, help coordinate responses to regional crises and contribute to broader efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability and security across the Middle East and neighbouring regions.(ILKHA)