Meetings of the "R4" group, comprising Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, and the "E3" group, comprising Britain, Germany, and France, with Italy's participation, and hosted by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, began in Istanbul on Friday.
Sources in the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Anadolu Agency that the meeting discusses regional issues, foremost among them the Palestinian issue, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, developments related to Yemen, and efforts aimed at finding a solution to the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Regional Responsibility
Fidan is expected to emphasize during the meeting that achieving regional security requires, first and foremost, the countries of the region to bear their responsibilities, and that Turkey prioritizes enhancing mechanisms of cooperation based on "regional ownership."
He will warn that current conflicts fuel each other and highlight the danger of conflicts spreading to new arenas.
Fidan is also expected to affirm that the continuation of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, Israel's obstruction of peace efforts, and its aggression extending to the region, represent the fundamental causes of escalation in the Middle East.
Regional Files
On the Iranian issue, Fidan is expected to affirm that the disagreement between Washington and Tehran can only be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue, warning that military options will not provide a permanent solution but will increase regional fragility and the risk of conflict expansion.
He will also point to the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab for the stability of the region and the world.
Fidan is expected to renew Turkey's support for Saudi security in the face of Houthi attacks targeting civilians and infrastructure, highlighting the importance of solidarity and the shared security concept represented by the "Mecca Defense Alliance."
R4 and E3 Mechanisms
Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia established the "R4" mechanism to support lasting stability and enhance dialogue on regional issues.
Foreign ministers of the group countries have held 6 meetings so far, the first of which took place in Riyadh on March 18 last year.
As for the "E3" group mechanism, it emerged within the framework of continuous trilateral diplomatic cooperation since 2003 regarding the Iranian nuclear program.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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