By The South Asia Times

CAIRO -  Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar joined the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt in a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Sunday, where regional leaders discussed efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East following the recent US-Iran agreement.

The meeting took place in Cairo on the sidelines of consultations under the R4 framework, which brings together Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to coordinate on key regional issues.

During the talks, Dar conveyed greetings from Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, while reaffirming Islamabad's commitment to strengthening its longstanding ties with Egypt.

According to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, Dar highlighted the positive momentum generated by recent high-level exchanges between the two countries and welcomed President Sisi's acceptance of an invitation from Prime Minister Sharif to visit Pakistan.

The leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments, with particular focus on the evolving situation in the Middle East and the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation.

President Sisi praised Pakistan's role in promoting diplomatic engagement and regional stability, commending the contributions of Prime Minister Sharif, Foreign Minister Dar and Field Marshal Munir in efforts aimed at advancing peace.

The Egyptian leader also expressed hope that ongoing diplomatic initiatives and the next phase of negotiations following the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran would help deliver lasting peace, security and prosperity across the wider region.

The meeting also reviewed consultations among the four foreign ministers under the R4 framework. Participants described the grouping as an increasingly important platform for structured dialogue, strategic consultation and policy coordination on issues of common concern.

The leaders expressed confidence that continued cooperation among Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye would contribute to regional peace, economic development and prosperity while advancing the shared interests of their countries.

The discussions were held in what officials described as a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the close relations among the four nations amid growing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the Middle East.