The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye reaffirmed their commitment to continued consultation and coordination in support of peace and stability during the fourth R-4 Ministerial meeting held in Cairo on June 21, 2026. The meeting, hosted by Egypt, welcomed the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran as a significant step toward reducing tensions in the region.
R-4 Ministers Discuss Regional Developments
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar of Pakistan, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, Hakan Fidan of Turkiye, and Dr. Badr Abdelatty of Egypt convened at the invitation of Egypt. According to a statement from the Foreign Office, the ministers expressed deep appreciation to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for sharing his vision of the region's future, which guided the group's efforts to bring stability to the Middle East.
The meeting provided a platform for a comprehensive exchange of views on regional and international developments. The ministers reaffirmed the importance of continued consultation among the four countries to support peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East and the broader region.
Islamabad MoU Hailed as Constructive Step
The four ministers welcomed the signing of the Islamabad MoU between the United States and Iran earlier that week, describing it as a constructive step towards de-escalation and ending a conflict that posed significant risks to regional security, energy markets, international maritime routes, global supply chains, and international trade. They commended the efforts of regional and international actors that facilitated the understanding and stressed the importance of implementing the commitments undertaken by the parties concerned.
“The ministers viewed this 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,” the statement said.
Pakistan’s Role Praised by Turkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia
The foreign ministers of Turkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia lauded Pakistan’s instrumental role in helping secure the agreement and acknowledged Qatar’s support during the negotiations. “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 statement added. They also appreciated Pakistan’s close coordination with the three countries throughout the process.
Next Phase of Negotiations and Regional Security
Building on the momentum generated by the agreement, the ministers underscored the need for the swift and successful completion of the next phase of negotiations aimed at resolving remaining issues through a lasting, verifiable, and mutually acceptable arrangement. “The ministers stressed that the positive momentum created by the MoU should be sustained through continued dialogue and negotiations,” the statement said.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of addressing the concerns of countries in the region, particularly regarding the security and stability of the Gulf Arab states and the Levant. “The ministers emphasised that regional security considerations must remain central to efforts aimed at strengthening collective security and promoting long-term stability,” the statement added.
Palestinian Issue Central to Peace
Reaffirming the centrality of the Palestinian issue to peace and stability in the Middle East, the ministers stated that the Palestinian cause remained at the heart of efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region. Particular attention was devoted to the humanitarian and political situation in Gaza, the West Bank, and occupied East Jerusalem.
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 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. “The ministers reaffirmed that the establishment of an independent Palestinian State remains an indispensable foundation for achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions,” the statement said.
Dar: US-Iran Talks Have Advanced Greatly
In an interview with Al Arabiya during his Cairo visit, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that issues between the US and Iran have advanced “greatly.” He expressed trust that both sides would ultimately reach a final agreement, though he noted that the next phase of negotiations would be “more difficult.” Dar stated that it was agreed to reduce the enrichment level of Iran’s nuclear stockpile and that the two sides concluded that diplomacy was the solution. He also said no transit fees would be imposed in the Strait of Hormuz during the 60 days, adding that there would be no charges for either “transit” or “services.” Dar further revealed that three technical teams are currently in Switzerland to discuss the nuclear issue, frozen Iranian assets, and the situation in Lebanon.
US and Iranian delegations are in Switzerland for talks, following the signing of the memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to end months of conflict in the Middle East and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The talks in Burgenstock are led by US Vice President JD Vance, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the Iranian side, under Pakistani mediation.
