Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan on Wednesday for the fifth meeting of the four-party regional mechanism, known as the R4 Group. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the ministerial conference on Jerusalem in Amman, Jordan, aimed to coordinate positions on regional security and diplomatic issues. The ministers reviewed the latest regional developments amid ongoing military tensions and discussed coordinated efforts to prevent further escalation.
The R4 Group brings together Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan to address regional security and diplomatic issues. The meeting was attended by Abdelatty, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. The ministers underscored the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as essential to global economic stability and international trade.
The four ministers stressed the need to return to the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran on 18 June 2026. The June memorandum committed Washington and Tehran to negotiate a comprehensive settlement following an end to hostilities and included provisions related to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and advancing talks on Iran's nuclear programme. The meeting comes as mediators continue efforts to preserve the fragile diplomatic process between Washington and Tehran.
Despite reports of progress in negotiations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and consolidating the ceasefire, significant differences remain over maritime security arrangements, sanctions, and the terms of a permanent agreement. The ministers also reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause, stressing that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and an end to the Israeli occupation remain indispensable prerequisites for achieving a just and comprehensive peace.
The four countries discussed ways to strengthen coordination under the R4 mechanism, including enhancing its effectiveness, developing its working methods, and holding regular meetings at various levels to ensure continued consultation on regional security issues and other matters of common interest. The ministers also explored ways to support efforts to reach a lasting agreement that would strengthen regional security and spare the region further conflict.
The meeting was held as part of the ongoing efforts to address regional tensions and promote diplomatic solutions. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have been working together through the R4 mechanism to coordinate their positions on regional security and diplomatic issues. The group's efforts aim to promote stability and security in the region and prevent further escalation of tensions.
The R4 meeting in Amman reflects the ongoing commitment of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan to addressing regional challenges through diplomatic means. The four countries reiterated their call for a return to the US-Iran accord and emphasized the importance of maintaining regional stability and security. The meeting's outcome highlights the need for continued coordination and cooperation among regional actors to address the complex challenges facing the Middle East.
Key points
- Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan urge return to US-Iran accord at R4 meeting.
- The four countries stress the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The ministers reaffirm the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the need for an independent Palestinian state.
