Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt have condemned attacks targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including those attributed to the Houthis, while reaffirming their “unwavering support” for the country’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The foreign ministers of the four countries held talks in New York on Sept. 21 on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, where they discussed regional security, ongoing conflicts and efforts to promote stability across the Middle East and beyond.
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the ministers emphasized the importance of continued consultation and coordination among the four countries as part of efforts to advance peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East and the wider region.
The ministers expressed concern over continuing tensions and hostilities across the region and stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain central to achieving sustainable solutions to regional disputes.
“Expressing deep concern over continued tension and hostilities in the region, the Ministers underscored that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only path to a sustainable resolution,” the statement said.
In that context, they also underscored the importance of upholding the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as part of efforts toward lasting peace and stability.
The four foreign ministers further affirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to protect itself, its territory and its population in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
“They further affirmed the Kingdom’s inherent right to defend itself, its territory, and its people, in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations,” according to the joint statement.
The ministers also highlighted the importance of protecting maritime security, particularly the safety and freedom of navigation. The issue remains significant for regional trade and international shipping, given the strategic waterways connecting the Middle East with global markets.
Support for Yemen's Political Process
The meeting also addressed the situation in Yemen, with the four countries reaffirming their support for the internationally recognized Yemeni Government and the Presidential Leadership Council.
According to the statement, the ministers backed efforts aimed at achieving security, stability and development in Yemen through a political process based on dialogue among Yemenis.
“The Ministers reaffirmed their unwavering support for the legitimate Yemeni Government and the Presidential Leadership Council in their efforts to achieve security, stability and development in Yemen through a political process and an inclusive Yemeni – Yemeni dialogue involving different parties,” the statement said.
The ministers' position places emphasis on an inclusive political process rather than continued military confrontation as a means of addressing Yemen's prolonged crisis.
Palestinian Cause
The foreign ministers also placed the Palestinian issue prominently among the regional matters discussed during their meeting.
They stressed that addressing the Palestinian cause remains important to achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. The four countries reaffirmed their support for what they described as the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
This included support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable and contiguous State of Palestine based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The ministers said such an outcome should be pursued in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Their statement therefore linked regional stability with a political resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reaffirmed the four countries’ stated support for Palestinian statehood.
Sudan Also Discussed
Sudan was another major issue addressed by the ministers.
The four countries reiterated their commitment to protecting Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity. They also stressed the importance of safeguarding the country's legitimate national institutions.
The ministers opposed the establishment of parallel structures that, in their view as stated in the joint declaration, could undermine Sudan’s sovereignty and national unity.
They also highlighted concerns about the movement of weapons, mercenaries and foreign combatants into Sudan, calling for efforts to prevent what they described as illegal transfers into Sudanese territory.
The position reflects the ministers’ broader emphasis on preserving state institutions and territorial integrity as part of efforts to address regional conflicts.
Continued Regional Coordination
The foreign ministers agreed to maintain close coordination and regular consultations concerning regional and international developments.
The consultations are intended to strengthen cooperation among Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt on issues affecting regional security and stability.
The meeting in New York provided an opportunity for the four countries to reaffirm their positions on several major conflicts and security challenges while emphasizing diplomacy, political dialogue and respect for sovereignty.
Their joint statement brought together concerns over attacks against Saudi Arabia, maritime navigation, the conflict in Yemen, the Palestinian question and the situation in Sudan.
The ministers concluded by emphasizing continued coordination as a means of enhancing collective security and supporting efforts toward lasting peace and stability across the region.
