Pakistan FM to attend Cairo meeting as mediators back Iran-US accord

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to Egypt on Sunday to attend the fourth meeting of foreign ministers from the R-4 group, comprising Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, as regional powers seek to consolidate diplomatic efforts following the end of the Iran-US conflict.

The meeting comes at a critical stage in the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed this week by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, which ended 110 days of conflict between Washington and Tehran and established a 60-day framework for negotiations on outstanding issues.

The R-4 group first met in Islamabad in March amid growing regional tensions, with member states coordinating diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and regional stability. Since then, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt have remained closely engaged on developments surrounding the conflict and subsequent peace efforts.

According to a statement issued by Pakistan's Foreign Office, the Cairo meeting will “discuss regional developments and exchange views on issues related to peace, security and stability.” 

The ministry said participants would also explore ways to “further strengthen” cooperation among the four countries in areas of shared interest.

The gathering follows the postponement of technical-level Iran-US talks that had been expected to take place in Switzerland. 

Prime Minister's Office sources told Pakistan Television that the meeting was deferred after the Islamabad MoU was electronically signed and entered its implementation phase, with technical discussions now expected to be held separately on multiple issues covered under the agreement.

The accord requires an immediate cessation of military operations between the United States, Iran and their allies, provides for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and launches negotiations on broader political, security and nuclear-related matters under the 60-day implementation framework.

During his visit to Cairo, Dar is also scheduled to meet Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. 

The Foreign Office said Pakistan attaches “great importance” to its relations with Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, describing the R-4 framework as a reflection of the four countries' shared commitment to “consultation, cooperation and coordinated efforts” in support of regional peace, security and prosperity.