Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt Condemn Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia
ISTANBUL:Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt have strongly condemned attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militia on Saudi Arabia, calling for an immediate and unconditional halt to the assaults.
The four countries reaffirmed their full support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, while stressing the need to de-escalate rising tensions in the Middle East through dialogue and diplomacy.
The foreign ministers of the four countries met in Istanbul on Friday, October 23, as part of the R4 regional group. The meeting was attended by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the ministers held detailed discussions on the latest developments in the Middle East, threats to regional security and ongoing conflicts.
The ministers condemned Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and reiterated their support for the kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
### Four Countries Demand Immediate End to Houthi Attacks
In a joint statement issued on October 11, the R4 countries had described Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as a clear violation of international law.
The statement strongly condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure, including Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, saying the strikes had resulted in casualties, injuries and damage to infrastructure.
The four countries said such attacks violated Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and could not be justified under any circumstances.
They also held the Houthi militia responsible for the attacks and their regional and international repercussions, demanding that all assaults cease immediately and unconditionally.
### Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Saudi Security
During the Istanbul meeting, Ishaq Dar outlined Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions and promote peace.
According to the Foreign Office, the four countries agreed to strengthen mutual consultations and continue joint efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Dar also met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The two leaders condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and expressed their commitment to continued cooperation on regional issues.
Both ministers also emphasised the importance of closer coordination on shared regional security concerns, including the Makkah Defence Agreement.
### Security of Strategic Maritime Routes Discussed
According to Egyptian media reports, the four foreign ministers stressed the need for political and diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts, warning that further military escalation could have serious economic and security consequences.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of safeguarding international maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and ensuring freedom of navigation.
The ministers described these waterways as vital to global trade and international supply chains.
### Talks Held with European Foreign Ministers
Following the R4 meeting in Istanbul, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt also held discussions with their counterparts from France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy.
According to Pakistan’s official statement, the talks focused on the situation in the Gulf region, its economic and social implications, and ways to strengthen diplomatic engagement to resolve regional conflicts.
Dar briefed participants on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to ease tensions, prevent a resumption of military hostilities and promote regional peace.
The participating foreign ministers agreed to continue consultations and diplomatic engagement.
The joint position comes amid continuing concerns over Yemen’s conflict and attacks on Saudi Arabia, with Pakistan and other regional countries emphasising coordinated diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and maintain stability across the Middle East.
