World · Middle East · 1 hr ago
European and Middle Eastern foreign ministers to meet in İstanbul
Foreign ministers from seven countries are due to meet in İstanbul on Friday for talks hosted by Turkey’s Hakan Fidan.
Britain, France and Germany will meet ministers from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt.
The meeting will bring together the E3, a European diplomatic group, and the newer R4 for the first time.
Their agenda includes the Palestinian issue, Yemen, the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Fidan is expected to call for more pressure on Israel over settlement expansion and to support Saudi Arabia’s security amid Houthi attacks from Yemen.
He is also expected to stress safe passage through key waterways and efforts to keep the Ukraine war from spreading to the Black Sea.
The countries say they will explore ways to coordinate and cooperate in the coming period.
Foreign ministers from Britain, France, Germany, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt are due to meet in İstanbul on Friday.
The meeting is the first in the R4+E3 format and is being held at Turkey’s initiative.
The ministers are expected to discuss regional conflicts, the Palestinian issue, Yemen, maritime security and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to host the talks and discuss cooperation between the seven countries.
- Who
- Foreign ministers from Britain, France, Germany, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt.
- What
- They are due to meet for talks on regional conflicts and the Russia-Ukraine war.
- When
- Friday. The articles were published on October 22, 2026.
- Where
- İstanbul, Turkey.
- Why
- To discuss regional issues and explore opportunities for cooperation and coordination.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan concluded the Mecca Defense Agreement, according to Turkish Minute.
Egypt joined Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in the newly formed R4 group.
The seven countries’ foreign ministers are due to meet in İstanbul for talks.
- Participants
- Seven countries: Britain, France, Germany, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt
- Host
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
- Format
- R4+E3
- Location
- İstanbul, Turkey
- Main agenda
- Regional conflicts, the Palestinian issue, Yemen, maritime security and the Russia-Ukraine war
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What people are saying
The seven countries will come together for the first time in the R4+E3 format, at Turkey’s initiative
opportunities for cooperation and coordination that could be put into practice … in the coming period