ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom and France have commended Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and stability, expressing support for continued dialogue and diplomatic engagement to address regional challenges.
The acknowledgements came during separate meetings between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband in Istanbul, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
During their meeting on the sidelines of the R4 Group and four European countries’ foreign ministers’ meeting, the Pakistani and British top diplomats expressed satisfaction with Pakistan-UK bilateral relations and agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
They exchanged views on evolving regional and international developments, underscoring the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and continued engagement, the Foreign Ministry said.
The UK Foreign Secretary commended Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
Deputy PM Dar appreciated the UK’s constructive engagement with the R4 (Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt), alongside Germany, France and Italy, in support of regional peace and stability.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband @EdMiliband in Istanbul today.
The two sides expressed satisfaction with Pakistan-UK bilateral relations and agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
They exchanged views on evolving regional and international developments, underscoring the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and continued engagement.
The UK Foreign Secretary commended Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
The DPM/FM appreciated the UK’s constructive engagement with the R-4 (Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt), alongside Germany, France and Italy, in support of regional peace and stability.
@FCDOGovUK
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 23, 2026
Pakistan, France Stress Dialogue to Address Regional Challenges
Deputy PM Dar held a separate meeting with his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot in Istanbul today.
Recalling their recent meeting on the sidelines of the last UN General Assembly, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen Pakistan-France bilateral cooperation, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.
Deputy PM Dar underscored the importance of sustained engagement and regular dialogue to advance bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest.
They also exchanged views on current regional and international developments, including the wider economic and social repercussions of ongoing crises, particularly the impact on energy costs.
Both sides emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges and promoting peace and international cooperation.
Foreign Minister Barrot appreciated Pakistan’s role and Deputy PM Dar’s personal efforts in promoting sustained engagement and advancing diplomatic efforts towards regional peace and stability.
Dar appreciated France’s positive engagement alongside the UK, Germany and Italy with the R4 countries to discuss regional and international developments and support diplomatic efforts towards peace and stability.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot @JnBarrot, in Istanbul today.
Recalling their recent meeting on the sidelines of the last UNGA, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen Pakistan-France bilateral cooperation. DPM/FM underscored the importance of sustained engagement and regular dialogue to advance bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest.
They also exchanged views on current regional and international developments, including the wider economic and social repercussions of ongoing crises, particularly the impact on energy costs.
Both sides emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges and promoting peace and international cooperation.
Foreign Minister Barrot appreciated Pakistan’s role and DPM/FM’s personal efforts in promoting sustained engagement and advancing diplomatic efforts towards regional peace and stability.
DPM/FM appreciated France’s positive engagement alongside the UK, Germany and Italy with the R4 countries to discuss regional and international developments and support diplomatic efforts towards peace and stability.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 23, 2026
R4 Group, European Powers Stress Dialogue for Peace in Gulf
Earlier, Foreign ministers of the Regional Four (R4) Group — Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt — and their counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and the UK discussed developments in the Gulf region and their social and economic impacts at their first joint meeting in Istanbul, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.
The meeting provided an opportunity for exchange of views on regional developments in the Gulf region, their social and economic impacts, and the urgent need to foster diplomatic engagement to resolve regional challenges of peace, security, and stability, the Foreign Ministry said.
The R4 group, comprising Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt, emerged in March and has been focusing on regional security and mediation efforts between the United States and Iran.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar participated in the first meeting between the R4 and France, Germany, Italy and the UK in Istanbul.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar briefed his counterparts on Pakistan’s diplomatic and mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions, prevent a resumption of hostilities and promote peace, the Foreign Ministry said.
All the foreign ministers agreed to continued engagement in this format, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 participated today in the first meeting in Istanbul with the Foreign Ministers of the R4 (Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt), along with their counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.
The meeting provided an opportunity for exchange of views on regional developments in the Gulf region, their social and economic impacts, and the urgent need to foster diplomatic engagement to resolve regional challenges of peace, security, and stability.
The DPM/FM briefed his counterparts on the diplomatic and mediatory role Pakistan continues to play in de-escalating tensions, preventing resumption of hostilities and promoting peace.
All Ministers agreed for continued engagement in this format.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 23, 2026
R4 Foreign Ministers Discuss Ways to Strengthen Regional Coordination
Earlier, foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt discussed ways to strengthen regional coordination and advance diplomatic efforts to promote lasting peace, security and stability.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar participated in the sixth R4 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Istanbul alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday.
The ministers reviewed regional developments since their last meeting in New York, with particular focus on the situation in the Middle East and related security challenges and conflicts.
The foreign ministers expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also condemned the Houthi attacks targeting the Kingdom and underscored the importance of respecting state sovereignty, the Foreign Ministry stated.
“They discussed ways to strengthen regional coordination and advance diplomatic efforts to promote lasting peace, security, and stability,” the Foreign Ministry statement read.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 participated in the 6th R4 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Istanbul today, alongside H.E. Hakan Fidan of Türkiye, H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, and H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty of Egypt.
The Ministers reviewed regional developments since their last meeting in New York, with particular focus on the situation in the Middle East and related security challenges/ conflicts.
The Ministers expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also condemned the Houthi attacks targeting the Kingdom and underscored the importance of respecting state sovereignty.
They discussed ways to strengthen regional coordination and advance diplomatic efforts to promote lasting peace, security, and stability.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 23, 2026
Pakistan’s Deputy PM Dar arrived in Istanbul for the R4 Ministerial Meeting and the R4+ meeting with Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. The R-4 included Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Deputy PM Dar’s Bilateral Meetings
Dar held his first meeting in Istanbul with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and thanked him for Turkiye’s hosting of the R4 Ministerial Meeting and the R4+ meeting, the Foreign Ministry said.
Dar conveyed condolences over the loss of lives caused by flash floods following heavy rains in Turkiye and wished a swift recovery to those affected.
During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East and Palestine.
The foreign ministers expressed concern over threats to regional stability and underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and coordinated efforts to promote regional peace and security.
“The two sides also strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on regional issues, including under the Makkah Defence Agreement among Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia,” the Foreign Ministry said.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Turkiye, and to deepening cooperation across all areas of mutual interest, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held his first meeting in Istanbul today with H.E. Hakan Fidan, Foreign Minister of Türkiye.
The DPM/FM thanked FM Hakan Fidan for Türkiye’s hosting of the R-4 Ministerial Meeting and the R4+ meeting with Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom in Istanbul.
The DPM/FM conveyed condolences over the loss of lives caused by flash floods following heavy rains in Türkiye and wished a swift recovery to those affected.
The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East and Palestine. They expressed concern over threats to regional stability and underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and coordinated efforts to promote regional peace and security.
The two sides also strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on regional issues, including under the Makkah Defence Agreement among Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Türkiye, and to deepening cooperation across all areas of mutual interest, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 23, 2026
Later, Deputy PM Dar met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty, the Foreign Office said.
The two Ministers reaffirmed the longstanding and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Egypt and underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagement in further advancing bilateral relations.
They agreed to impart greater momentum to cooperation across a range of areas, including trade, business-to-business linkages, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, connectivity, renewable energy, defence, and people-to-people exchanges.
The two ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments, particularly the situation in Palestine and the Middle East, and underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges.
They reaffirmed their commitment to continued consultations and closer coordination under the Regional Four (R4) framework and on matters of mutual interest, the Foreign Office stated.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with Egyptian Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty @EgyptForeignMin on the sidelines of the R4 Ministerial Meeting in Istanbul today.
The two Ministers reaffirmed the longstanding and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Egypt and underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagement in further advancing bilateral relations.
They agreed to impart greater momentum to cooperation across a range of areas, including trade, business-to-business linkages, agriculture, pharmaceutical, connectivity, renewable energy, defence, and people-to-people exchanges.
The two Ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments, particularly the situation in Palestine and the Middle East, and underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges.
They reaffirmed their commitment to continued consultations and closer coordination under the Regional Four (R4) framework and on matters of mutual interest.
@MFAEgOfficial
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 23, 2026
Later, Deputy PM Dar met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the R4 and Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom (E-4) ministerial meeting in Istanbul to discuss bilateral relations and recent regional and international developments, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said in a statement.
The Pakistan and German foreign ministers discussed Pakistan-Germany relations and Deputy PM Dar expressed the desire to further strengthening bilateral ties through sustained engagement and cooperation across multiple areas of mutual interest, the Foreign Office said.
The two ministers also exchanged views on recent regional and international developments, emphasising the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and sustained international engagement to address evolving regional challenges and to promote peace and stability, the Foreign Office stated.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the R-4 and Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom (E-4) Ministerial Meeting in Istanbul today.
The two Ministers discussed Pakistan-Germany relations and DPM/FM expressed the desire to further strengthening bilateral ties through sustained engagement and cooperation across multiple areas of mutual interest.
The two Ministers also exchanged views on recent regional and international developments, emphasising the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and sustained international engagement to address evolving regional challenges and to promote peace and stability.
DPM/FM welcomed the constructive engagement of Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom with the R-4 framework and underscored the value of continued consultations and diplomatic coordination on issues of shared concern.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 23, 2026
Deputy PM Dar welcomed the constructive engagement of Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom with the R4 framework and underscored the value of continued consultations and diplomatic coordination on issues of shared concern.
During his one-day official visit, Deputy PM Dar will participate in meetings in the R4 and R4+ with France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, call on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts.
