Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt on Sunday welcomed the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran during a Regional Four (R-4) meeting in Cairo, emphasising the importance of achieving a “swift and successful” conclusion to the subsequent phase of negotiations.In a joint statement issued by the participating nations, shared by the Foreign Office on X, the R-4 meet which convened in Cairo on Sunday at the invitation of Egypt, welcomed the signing of the Islamabad MoU.
The participating nations viewed the important development as a “constructive step towards de-escalation and towards ending a conflict which posed significant risks to regional security and stability, as well as to energy markets, international maritime routes, global supply chains, and international trade.”
In this context, the statement said that the foreign ministers commended the “efforts undertaken by regional and international actors that contributed to facilitating the understanding and emphasised the importance of the faithful implementation of the commitments undertaken by the parties concerned”.
“The ministers lauded the instrumental efforts of Pakistan in reaching this historic outcome, along with the support extended by Qatar to bring about a successful conclusion to the negotiations on the MoU.
“The Ministers also commended the continued and close coordination of Pakistan with them on this important issue,” it said.
Building on this positive momentum, the statement said that the particular emphasis was placed on the “importance of achieving a swift and successful conclusion to the subsequent phase of negotiations, which aims to reach a lasting, verifiable, and mutually acceptable solution to the remaining issues”.
The ministers emphasised that such efforts should take into account the concerns of countries of the region, particularly with regard to the security and stability of the Gulf Arab States, as well as the Levant region, with a view to strengthening collective security and promoting long-term regional stability, it added.
“Reaffirming the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the achievement of peace, security, and stability in the Middle East, the ministers underscored that the Palestinian cause remains at the heart of efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region and constitutes a central pillar for the realisation of a stable and secure regional order,” the statement said.
In this regard, it added that particular attention was devoted to 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 their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as an indispensable foundation for achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement on X, the FO shared an update about FM Dar’s participation in the R-4 meet, saying that the 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 for regional peace, stability, and prosperity.”
It 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, it stated that FM Dar had also called on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, where, besides bilateral matters, discussions were held on regional developments and cooperation under the R-4 platform.
“Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye & Egypt are strengthening partnerships, advancing diplomacy, and building consensus for a more peaceful and connected region,” it said, adding, “A joint statement was also issued at the conclusion of the meeting.”
The Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was jointly called on by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt, after the culmination of the R-4 foreign ministers’ meeting in Cairo.
“FM Dar noted with appreciation the positive momentum generated through recent high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Egypt, which have contributed to deepening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors,” the statement added.
