ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will host the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt from March 29–30 for “in-depth discussions” on regional issues, including efforts to reduce tensions amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
According to a press release from the Foreign Office, at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Saudi Arabia’s FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Türkiye’s FM Hakan Fidan, and Egypt’s FM Dr. Badr Abdelatty will visit Islamabad for the talks. The visiting dignitaries will also call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The Foreign Office emphasized that Pakistan values its relations with the “brotherly countries” of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt, and that the visit will strengthen cooperation and coordination across multiple areas of mutual interest.
Originally scheduled to be held in Türkiye, the talks were shifted to Islamabad due to Pakistan’s growing role in the Iran-US dialogue process, increasing speculation that Islamabad may also host direct negotiations between the two countries.
The meeting stems from a four-country mechanism formed on March 19 during a gathering of ten Arab and Muslim states in Riyadh. While initially framed around defence cooperation, officials say the current diplomatic track has evolved from that interaction, with Egyptian intelligence opening channels with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Pakistan emerging as a key mediator.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts. On Friday, he spoke by phone with Egypt’s FM Dr. Badr Abdelatty and Türkiye’s FM Hakan Fidan, stressing the importance of dialogue and collective efforts to promote regional peace. He also spoke with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who extended full support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah also expressed support for Pakistan’s role, urging Tehran to join negotiations while the US is under pressure in the conflict.
Pakistan is coordinating closely with Ankara and Cairo to mediate indirect US-Iran talks, relaying messages and proposals between the two sides. A 15-point framework from the US has been shared with Iran and is under deliberation, with Türkiye and Egypt supporting Pakistan’s efforts. Iranian media reports suggest Tehran has outlined five conditions under which it may agree to end the ongoing conflict.
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