Regional powers step up diplomacy as Pakistan, Saudia, Türkiye, Egypt coordinate on Middle East crisis

ANTALYA: Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt held consultations on Saturday to discuss the evolving regional situation, according to a statement by the Foreign Office.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

According to the FO, the ministers exchanged views on key regional developments and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity. They also expressed a collective commitment to strengthening coordination and expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

The meeting follows earlier engagements among the four countries aimed at de-escalating the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Two prior meetings were held — one in Riyadh and another in Islamabad — ahead of the ceasefire announcement, which is set to expire on April 22.

Pakistan has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, including hosting direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad on April 11 — the highest-level engagement between the two sides in decades. While the talks concluded without a formal agreement, both sides signalled willingness to continue negotiations, with reports suggesting a second round could take place soon.

Speaking separately, Egypt’s foreign minister said that Cairo was working closely with Pakistan on a framework to achieve lasting peace between the United States and Iran. He added that the four countries were coordinating a broader regional initiative aimed at preventing further escalation and establishing a post-war security arrangement.

He also emphasised the importance of safeguarding Gulf states and stabilising global energy markets, supply chains, and food security as part of the wider diplomatic effort.