Dar to attend R-4 meeting in Cairo as Pakistan joins regional push for stability

• FMs from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Türkiye to discuss Middle East security at 4^th meeting of R-4

• FO says forum focuses on peace, stability and coordinated diplomatic response

• Dar to hold bilateral talks with Egyptian FM and expected to call on President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during visit

 ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will embark on a visit to Egypt on Sunday (June 21) to attend the 4th Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the R-4 Group of Countries, where Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye will deliberate on regional security and diplomatic developments amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, according to the Foreign Office (FO).

In a post on X, the FO said the Cairo meeting marks the fourth session of the R-4 framework, a diplomatic platform launched in March this year by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan amid heightened regional instability, including the US-Iran conflict and broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

🔊PR No.1️⃣4️⃣7️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

4th Meeting of the R-4 Foreign Ministers in Cairo, Egypt (21 June, 2026)

🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/hwfks0IkDk

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 19, 2026

Conceived as a coordination mechanism for regional consultations, the grouping has since held regular meetings to discuss evolving political, security and economic challenges and to promote de-escalation efforts across the region.

“At the invitation of Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will attend the 4th Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the R-4 Group of Countries, to be held in Cairo on 21 June 2026,” the FO said.

“The meeting will bring together the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan to discuss regional developments and exchange views on issues related to peace, security and stability,” it added.

According to the statement, the ministers will also review ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas of shared interest.

During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will hold bilateral consultations with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty and is also expected to call on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

The discussions will focus on expanding Pakistan–Egypt cooperation across multiple sectors, alongside exchanges on regional and international developments of mutual interest.

Pakistan has consistently described its relations with Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as a priority, noting that the R-4 framework reflects a shared commitment to consultation, cooperation and coordinated diplomacy in support of regional peace and stability.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which both sides exchanged views on recent regional developments and expressed concern over Israel’s ceasefire violations in Lebanon.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammed Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke this evening with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi @Araghchi.

DPM/FM felicitated the leadership, government, and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the signing of the… pic.twitter.com/2mGnoQ3UlM

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 19, 2026

The DPM/FM congratulated Iran’s leadership, government and people on the signing of the historic “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” with the United States, and extended best wishes for the next phase of negotiations, expressing hope for a smooth and positive outcome.

Foreign Minister Araghchi expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive and sustained mediation efforts.

He also thanked Pakistan for facilitating the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals, including eight fishermen rescued at sea by the United Kingdom and 22 crew members recently intercepted by the United States, with transit arrangements currently being coordinated by Pakistan.

Both sides agreed on the importance of continued engagement and reaffirmed their commitment to remaining in close contact.