ISLAMABAD: Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt on Sunday welcomed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, describing it as an important step toward de-escalation and calling for the faithful implementation of commitments undertaken under the agreement.
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar participated in the fourth meeting of the Regional Four (R-4) grouping in Cairo, where ministers reviewed progress on the Islamabad MoU, exchanged views on regional and international developments, and reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and collective efforts aimed at promoting peace, security, stability and prosperity across the Middle East and beyond.
The meeting came as high-level talks on implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding got underway in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, bringing together delegations from the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar. The discussions mark the first formal engagement since the signing of the agreement and are aimed at advancing understandings reached under its implementation framework.
The R-4 mechanism emerged as a key platform for regional coordination during the crisis. The grouping first convened in Riyadh in March before holding subsequent ministerial meetings in Islamabad and Antalya, where member states coordinated diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and encouraging dialogue. Sunday's gathering in Cairo marked the fourth consultative meeting of the forum.
According to a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting, the ministers viewed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as "a constructive step towards de-escalation" and toward ending a conflict that posed significant risks to regional security and stability, as well as to energy markets, international maritime routes, global supply chains and international trade.
The ministers welcomed the signing of the agreement between the United States and Iran and stressed the importance of continued consultation and coordination in support of peace and stability in the region.
"The Ministers lauded the instrumental efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in reaching this historic outcome, along with the support extended by the State of Qatar to bring about a successful conclusion to the negotiations on the MoU," the joint statement said.
The statement added that the ministers also commended Pakistan's continued and close coordination with the group on the issue.
Building on what they described as positive momentum, the ministers emphasized the importance of 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.
They further stressed that future efforts should take into account the concerns of countries across the region, particularly with regard to the security and stability of the Gulf Arab states and the Levant.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Dar called on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, the discussions covered bilateral relations, regional developments and cooperation under the R-4 framework.
The ministers also reaffirmed support for the Palestinian cause and reiterated backing for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
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