Key facts
- Turkey to host foreign ministers from Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Britain, France, and Germany.
- Talks will focus on regional conflicts including the Israeli-Palestinian issue and the Russia-Ukraine war.
- Emphasis on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will host his counterparts from Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Britain, France, and Germany in Istanbul on Friday for discussions on regional conflicts. This marks the first time these seven countries will meet in this format, an initiative by Turkey aimed at addressing escalating wars involving Iran, Yemen, and Ukraine that threaten shipping routes and regional security.
The agenda includes the Israeli-Palestinian issue, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, developments in Yemen, efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, and opportunities for enhanced cooperation between regional and European nations.
Fidan is expected to advocate for diplomatic solutions to the conflict between the United States and Iran, stress the importance of maritime freedom in the Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb straits, and reaffirm Turkey's commitment to Saudi Arabia's security against Houthi attacks under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. He will also highlight Turkey's efforts to prevent the Ukraine conflict from spilling into the Black Sea.