Foreign ministers from Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia — the R4 group — met counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom in Istanbul on 23 October 2026, according to a joint press release. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office published the statement the following day.

According to the release, the ministers discussed the US/Israel-Iran conflict, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for a negotiated two-state solution, and attacks by the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia and the Government of Yemen. They also addressed safety and freedom of navigation, heightened tension in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab El Mandeb, and the Black Sea.

The ministers said they agreed on the urgent need to address regional conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation, and stressed lasting negotiated solutions to outstanding conflicts in line with relevant UN resolutions. They expressed commitment to continued diplomatic efforts toward peace and stability and to addressing the security, economic and trade implications of these issues. The release says they agreed to continue dialogue in this format to help prevent conflicts and advance peace and stability in the region.