Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt Urge Rapid Completion of US‑Iran Negotiation Phase

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt welcomed the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran at a Regional Four (R‑4) meeting in Cairo on Sunday, underscoring the need for a swift and successful conclusion to the next phase of negotiations.

The meeting occurred the same day that Pakistan, together with Qatar — serving as co‑mediator — hosted U.S. and Iranian delegations in Switzerland for high‑level technical talks to finalize the MoU details.

On Friday, the Foreign Office announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar would attend the fourth meeting of foreign ministers in Cairo on June 21, invited by his Egyptian counterpart.

In a joint statement released by the participating nations and posted on X by the Foreign Office, the R‑4 meeting convened in Cairo on Sunday at Egypt’s invitation welcomed the signing of the Islamabad MoU.

The participating nations regarded this development as a constructive step toward de‑escalation and the resolution of a conflict that had posed significant risks to regional security and stability, as well as to energy markets, maritime routes, global supply chains, and international trade.

In this context, the statement noted that foreign ministers commended the efforts of regional and international actors that facilitated the understanding and stressed the importance of faithfully implementing the commitments made by the parties concerned.

The ministers lauded Pakistan’s instrumental role in achieving this historic outcome, as well as the support provided by Qatar in reaching a successful conclusion to the MoU negotiations.

They also commended the ongoing, close coordination between Pakistan and the other participating countries on this important issue.

Building on this positive momentum, the statement placed particular emphasis on achieving a swift and successful conclusion to the subsequent phase of negotiations, aimed at reaching a lasting, verifiable, and mutually acceptable solution to the remaining issues.

The ministers emphasized that such efforts must consider the concerns of regional countries, especially regarding the security and stability of the Gulf Arab States and the Levant, with the aim of strengthening collective security and promoting long‑term regional stability.

Reaffirming the centrality of the Palestinian cause to peace, security, and stability in the Middle East, the ministers underscored that the cause remains at the heart of efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region and constitutes a central pillar for a stable, secure regional order.

In this regard, the statement highlighted the humanitarian and political situation in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem under occupation.

The ministers reiterated their support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including self‑determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, which they view as an indispensable foundation for achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Advancement of Practical Cooperation within the R‑4 Framework

The Foreign Office update on FM Dar’s participation in the R‑4 meeting noted that foreign ministers reviewed progress on the Islamabad MoU, exchanged views on key regional and global developments, and reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and collective efforts toward regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

The statement added that the discussions also focused on strengthening coordination and advancing practical cooperation within the R‑4 framework to address shared challenges and opportunities.

On the sidelines, the statement noted that FM Dar also met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi, where, besides bilateral matters, discussions covered regional developments and cooperation under the R‑4 platform.

“Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt are strengthening partnerships, advancing diplomacy, and building consensus for a more peaceful and connected region,” the statement said, adding, “A joint statement was also issued at the conclusion of the meeting.”

Meeting with Egyptian President

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi was jointly hosted by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt following the conclusion of the R‑4 foreign ministers’ meeting in Cairo.

During the meeting, FM Dar conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to President el‑Sisi, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding, brotherly, and multifaceted relations with Egypt, the Foreign Office said.

The statement added that FM Dar expressed appreciation for the positive momentum generated by recent high‑level exchanges between Pakistan and Egypt, which have contributed to deepening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors.

He also welcomed President el‑Sisi’s acceptance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation to visit Pakistan and expressed the hope that the exchange of leadership visits between the two countries would occur at the earliest mutually convenient opportunity.

President el‑Sisi appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible” role in promoting dialogue, de‑escalation, and diplomatic engagement in the region and commended the country’s leadership.

President el‑Sisi expressed the hope that ongoing efforts and the next phase of negotiations would contribute to lasting peace, security, and prosperity across the wider region.

The statement noted that the meeting also focused on consultations among the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey under the R‑4 framework.

They underscored the growing significance of the R‑4 as an important platform for structured dialogue, strategic consultation, and policy coordination on matters of common interest.

They expressed confidence that sustained engagement and collective efforts would promote peace, stability, economic development, and regional prosperity, while advancing the shared interests of their countries and peoples.

The Foreign Office concluded that the meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the close bonds of friendship and mutual respect among the participating countries.

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