Mediators urge swift diplomacy to cement US-Iran patch-up
• Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt call MoU a step towards de-escalation, regional stability
• Stress need for verifiable, lasting deal
• Foreign ministers hail Islamabad, Doha’s role in brokering peace
CAIRO: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt on Sunday welcomed the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran, emphasising the importance of achieving a swift and successful conclusion to the subsequent phase of negotiations.
The Regional Four (R-4), meeting in Cairo occurred the same day Pakistan and Qatar hosted US and Iranian delegations in Switzerland for technical talks to iron out the details of the agreement.
Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended the fourth meeting of foreign ministers in Cairo at the invitation of his Egyptian counterpart.
In a joint statement shared by the Pakistani Foreign Office on X, the participating nations viewed the development as a “constructive step towards de-escalation and towards ending a conflict which posed significant risks to regional security and stability, as well as to energy markets, international maritime routes, global supply chains, and international trade”.
The foreign ministers commended the efforts by regional actors that facilitated the understanding and stressed the faithful implementation of commitments. “The ministers lauded the instrumental efforts of Pakistan in reaching this historic outcome, along with the support extended by Qatar to bring about a successful conclusion to the negotiations on the MoU,” the statement read.
“The ministers also commended the continued and close coordination of Pakistan with them on this important issue.”
Building on this positive momentum, the statement placed particular emphasis on the “importance of achieving a swift and successful conclusion to the subsequent phase of negotiations, which aims to reach a lasting, verifiable, and mutually acceptable solution to the remaining issues”.
The ministers also devoted attention to the humanitarian and political situation in Palestine. “The ministers underscored that the Palestinian cause remains at the heart of efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region” the statement said.
They reiterated support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and an independent state based on the June 4, 1967, lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In a separate statement, the FO shared that the ministers exchanged views on global developments and reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and collective efforts for regional peace.
Discussions focused on “strengthening coordination and advancing practical cooperation within the R-4 framework to address shared challenges and opportunities”.
After the culmination of the R-4 meeting, the foreign ministers called on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. DPM Dar welcomed el-Sissi’s acceptance of PM Shehbaz’s invitation to visit Pakistan.
El-Sissi appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible” role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation in the region.
They underscored the growing significance of the R-4 for structured dialogue, strategic consultation, and policy coordination on issues of common interest.
Later on his way from Cairo to Islamabad, Deputy Prime Minister Dar arrived in Saudi Arabia where he will pay his respects at Al-Masjid An-Nabawi.
Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2026
