Eight countries meeting in the Turkish city of Istanbul agreed to continue coordination and joint work to achieve peace and stability, holding periodic meetings to discuss regional issues, including ensuring freedom of navigation in vital sea straits and passages.
The Anadolu Agency reported on Saturday that French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barro said in press statements after the meeting of the foreign ministers of the eight countries: The discussions held between representatives of the "R4" and "E3" groups, with the participation of Italy, were highly constructive and resulted in an agreement to continue joint work and coordinate positions on the issues raised.
Barro clarified that developments in the Middle East do not only affect the region's inhabitants, but their effects extend directly to European countries, noting that the agenda of upcoming periodic meetings will include Iran and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea.
The French Foreign Minister warned that escalating tensions between the United States and Iran will only lead to losses for the parties involved, reiterating the eight countries' call to Washington and Tehran to exercise restraint. Barro pointed to French initiatives aimed at supporting Saudi Arabia in protecting its energy infrastructure from Houthi attacks.
The meeting included the foreign ministers of Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, within the "R4" group, and Britain, Germany, and France, within the "E3" group, with the participation of Italy. Participants discussed the Palestinian issue, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, developments related to Yemen, and efforts to find a solution to the Russian-Ukrainian war, along with prospects for future cooperation and coordination among participating countries.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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