France joined Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, together with Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, in calling for urgent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional conflicts. A joint statement followed the R4 Ministerial Meeting held in Istanbul on Saturday.
The foreign ministers discussed the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for a negotiated two-state solution. They also addressed Houthi militia attacks against Saudi Arabia and the Government of Yemen, the safety and freedom of navigation, and rising tension in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb and the Black Sea.
The ministers warned of growing security, economic and trade risks. They said they would keep contributing to diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region and beyond, and to dealing with those implications. They agreed that regional conflicts need dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation, and, in line with relevant United Nations resolutions, stressed lasting negotiated solutions. They also agreed to continue talks in this format to prevent conflicts and advance peace and stability.