World · Middle East · 2 hrs ago
Regional and European ministers meet in Istanbul to discuss conflicts and maritime security
Ministers from four regional countries and four European countries met in Istanbul for talks hosted by Türkiye.
They discussed the Palestinian issue, Yemen, the US-Iran conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war.
The talks also focused on keeping shipping routes open through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, important routes for trade and energy.
Türkiye's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, said the countries did not want the war to spread and that diplomacy was the way to address the conflict.
The ministers called for dialogue over military conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, and for ships, civilians and civilian infrastructure not to be targeted.
A joint statement condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and called on the group to stop them.
The ministers agreed to continue consultations and cooperation on the issues they discussed.
Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy met in Istanbul to discuss regional and international conflicts.
The talks addressed the US-Israel-Iran conflict, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Yemen and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Maritime security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab were prominent topics.
The ministers called for disputes to be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy and agreed to continue consultations.
- Who
- Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy.
- What
- They met to discuss conflicts, regional security and maritime navigation.
- When
- The meetings took place on Friday, October 23, 2026.
- Where
- Istanbul, Türkiye.
- Why
- To discuss regional and international crises, strengthen cooperation and address security and maritime concerns.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received calls from the UAE and Moroccan foreign ministers to discuss regional developments and efforts to address the situation.
Prince Faisal arrived in Istanbul for ministerial meetings.
Ministers from the four regional countries met with ministers from the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy to discuss conflicts and security issues.
- Regional group
- Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and Pakistan
- European countries
- United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy
- Meeting location
- Istanbul, Türkiye
- Maritime routes discussed
- Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab
- Other conflict discussed
- Russia-Ukraine war
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What people are saying
Diplomacy and dialogue are the only solution, intervention in Iran is not a solution.
No one wants war.