Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and Türkiye Call for Diplomacy and Dialogue to Achieve Sustainable Peace

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and Türkiye have declared dialogue and diplomacy to be the only path to a sustainable solution for ending ongoing tensions and conflicts in the Middle East and the wider region. The foreign ministers of the four countries held a consultative meeting in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where they discussed regional and global developments. It is worth noting that three of the four countries signed a Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, while Egypt, the fourth country, was also expected to join the agreement soon. According to the countries, the agreement aims to strengthen collective security, enhance defence cooperation, and promote peace and stability in the region and around the world.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the foreign ministers stressed the importance of maintaining consultations and communication among the four countries to promote peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region. The statement expressed deep concern over the ongoing tensions and military operations in the region, saying that dialogue and diplomacy is the only path toward a sustainable solution. In this regard, the ministers stressed the need to implement the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to achieve lasting peace and stability.

The four countries strongly condemned all attacks against Saudi Arabia, particularly the recent Houthi attacks, and reaffirmed their support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. The statement said Saudi Arabia has the right, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, to defend itself and protect its territory and people. The ministers also stressed the importance of ensuring the security and freedom of maritime navigation.

The foreign ministers reaffirmed their support for Yemen’s legitimate government and the Presidential Leadership Council, saying that a political process and comprehensive intra-Yemeni dialogue among the various parties are essential for security, stability and development in Yemen.

On Palestine, the four countries reaffirmed their support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination. The statement said the Palestinian people have the right to establish an independent, sovereign, viable and contiguous Palestinian state based on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and Türkiye also reiterated their support for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and independence and stressed the need to protect its legitimate national institutions. Rejecting parallel governments or institutions that undermine Sudan’s sovereignty and unity, the statement emphasized the need to prevent the illegal flow of weapons, mercenaries and foreign fighters into Sudanese territory.  The four countries agreed to maintain close communication and consultations on regional and global developments, strengthen collective security, and promote long-term stability in the region.