The Regional Four (R4) grouping, consisting of Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, has strongly condemned recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes by Yemen's Houthi movement. In a joint statement issued after a consultative meeting in New York, the ministers reaffirmed their unwavering support for Saudi security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. They also emphasized Saudi Arabia's inherent right to defend itself, its territory, and its people, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
The R4 meeting, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, comes amid escalating tensions in the region. The ministers expressed deep concern over ongoing hostilities and stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only path towards sustainable resolution. They also affirmed the need to uphold the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in June, for lasting peace and stability. This meeting marks a significant step towards regional de-escalation and cooperation.
The ministers reaffirmed their support for the legitimate Yemeni Government and the Presidential Leadership Council in their efforts to achieve security, stability, and development in Yemen. They emphasized the importance of an inclusive Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue involving different parties to achieve a lasting resolution. The R4 grouping also addressed several regional and international developments, including the Palestinian cause and the Sudanese crisis.
On the Palestinian issue, the ministers reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause to achieving peace, security, and stability in the Middle East. They reiterated their support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their inalienable right to self-determination and to establish an independent, sovereign, viable, and contiguous Palestinian state. The ministers also emphasized the importance of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The R4 ministers also discussed the Sudanese crisis, reaffirming their steadfast support for Sudan's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity. They stressed the importance of preserving Sudan's legitimate national institutions and rejecting any parallel entities that undermine Sudan's sovereignty and unity. The ministers also emphasized the need to halt the illicit flow of weapons, mercenaries, and foreign fighters into Sudanese territory.
The R4 mechanism emerged in March as a regional quartet aimed at de-escalating Middle East tensions. The ministers agreed to maintain close coordination and continue their consultations on regional and international developments to strengthen collective security and promote long-term regional stability. This cooperation aims to support peace and prosperity in the Middle East and the broader region.
The joint statement by the R4 ministers demonstrates a unified stance on key regional issues. Key points include:
Key points
- The condemnation of attacks on Saudi Arabia and the emphasis on protecting maritime navigation.
- The support for the legitimate Yemeni Government and the Palestinian people's rights.
- The call for dialogue and diplomacy to achieve sustainable regional peace and stability.
