Pakistan Hosts Key Diplomatic Talks with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt Amid West Asia Tensions

Islamabad. Amid the escalating conflict in West Asia, Pakistan has initiated a significant diplomatic effort by inviting the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt to Islamabad in an attempt to de-escalate tensions.

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the four-way meeting, scheduled for Sunday, will involve detailed discussions on regional security, the state of the conflict, and measures for de-escalation. Pakistan has also been playing the role of a bridge for dialogue between the United States and Iran.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egypt's Sameh Shoukry arrived in Islamabad on Saturday night for the meeting, while Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived on Sunday afternoon.

In light of the high-level visits, stringent security measures have been implemented in the Red Zone area of the capital, and the main roads leading to it have been closed. The area, which houses government offices and diplomatic enclaves, was seen decorated with the flags of the four nations.

Prior to the main meeting, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held separate bilateral talks with his counterparts from Egypt and Turkey. Following this, the ministers from the three countries jointly met with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir.

As the conflict in West Asia intensifies, Pakistan has positioned itself as a crucial mediator. Islamabad's diplomatic activity is bolstered by its long-standing relationship with Tehran, close ties with Gulf nations, and the personal rapport between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Munir with the US leadership.

Although Iran has reportedly not accepted formal talks with the US, Iranian media outlet Tasnim mentioned that a response to the US proposal (regarding Trump's 15-point plan) was sent via Islamabad.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Sharif informed that he had a telephone conversation lasting over an hour with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which ongoing diplomatic initiatives were discussed. Pezeshkian reportedly thanked Pakistan for its role in reducing regional tensions.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dar announced that Iran has permitted 20 more Pakistani-flagged vessels to cross the Strait of Hormuz, allowing two vessels to transit daily.

Dar, via social media, stated that dialogue, diplomacy, and confidence-building are the only solutions to the current crisis, urging top officials from the US and Iran to move forward in this direction.