Pakistani, Turkish FMs discuss regional situation in Istanbul

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Istanbul on Friday, where the two sides reviewed bilateral ties and discussed regional developments, Pakistan's Foreign Office said Friday.

Dar thanked Fidan for Türkiye's hosting of the R-4 Ministerial Meeting and the R4+ meeting with the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. 

He also offered condolences over the loss of lives in flash floods triggered by heavy rains in Türkiye and wished those affected a swift recovery.

The two ministers exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and Palestine, expressing concern over threats to regional stability. They stressed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and coordinated efforts to promote peace and security in the region.

Both sides strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on regional matters, including under the Makkah Defence Agreement among Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.

Dar and Fidan reiterated their resolve to further strengthen the longstanding bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Türkiye. They also agreed to deepen cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, both bilaterally and at multilateral forums.