Foreign ministers from seven countries are set to discuss regional security, the Iran conflict, maritime navigation and diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war in Istanbul on Oct. 23.
Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Türkiye are scheduled to meet their counterparts from France, Britain and Germany in Istanbul on Oct. 23 to discuss regional security, ongoing conflicts and diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
According to Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry, the talks will take place in two formats: the R-4 group, comprising the four regional countries, and an expanded R-4+E-3 meeting involving all seven nations.
The R-4 grouping emerged in March 2026 and has focused on regional security and mediation efforts between the United States and Iran. The E-3 comprises France, Britain and Germany, which have coordinated diplomatic efforts concerning Iran’s nuclear program for more than two decades.
A Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters that the seven countries would meet in the expanded format for the first time at Ankara’s initiative.
The discussions come amid conflicts involving Iran, Yemen and Ukraine, raising concerns about regional stability and the security of international shipping routes.
The foreign ministers are expected to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, developments in the Strait of Hormuz, the situation in Yemen, efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between regional and European countries.
Türkiye to Push for Diplomacy
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to emphasize the need for a diplomatic solution to the conflict between the United States and Iran. He will also highlight the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
According to the diplomatic source, Fidan will reiterate Türkiye’s support for Saudi Arabia’s security in response to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The discussions are also expected to refer to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.
Fidan is further expected to outline Türkiye’s efforts to prevent the war in Ukraine from spreading into the Black Sea. He is likely to warn about the broader security risks associated with the conflict.
The proposed meeting brings together four regional countries and three major European powers at a time when diplomatic efforts are focused on several interconnected security challenges, including tensions involving Iran, maritime routes and the war in Ukraine.
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