Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan urge resumption of navigation in Hormuz, condemn Houthi attacks

The quartet comprising Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan has called for the swift and full resumption of safe and unobstructed navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the need to address the military conflict between the United States, the occupying state, and Iran through dialogue and diplomacy. The group also voiced support for the memorandum of understanding signed in Islamabad and efforts to reach a sustainable negotiated solution.

During their meeting in Istanbul, the foreign ministers of the four countries rejected any measures or restrictions that impede legitimate navigation, warning that disruption of maritime passages threatens the security and prosperity of nations by affecting global supply chains and the flow of energy, fertilizers and food, with consequences for the most vulnerable populations in the region and beyond.

The ministers emphasized the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and the lasting safety and security of maritime corridors, calling on the international community to intensify collective efforts to address challenges threatening global trade and supply routes.

Condemnation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and commercial vessels

On Yemen, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan strongly condemned the escalation led by the Houthi militia, saying it has worsened the humanitarian crisis. They denounced the continued attacks on Saudi Arabia, especially those targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait.

The ministers expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government, urging the Houthis to immediately cease all military actions, threats and attacks, and to return to the political process in good faith.

Istanbul Quartet: Israeli occupation a key source of instability

Regarding the Palestinian issue, the ministers affirmed that the Israeli occupation is the main source of instability in the region and beyond, noting that Israeli policies reinforce a sense of injustice among global public opinion.

They called for the urgent implementation of the two-state solution based on relevant UN resolutions, reiterating their support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their inalienable right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable and contiguous Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, to achieve comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

The ministers also demanded an immediate end to Israeli violence, a halt to attempts to alter the legal and historical status of Jerusalem, and an end to the destruction and humanitarian tragedy in Palestine.

They condemned settlement activities in the West Bank and Jerusalem, both past and present, as well as settler violence against Palestinians, stressing the need for uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza and the continuation of reconstruction efforts.

Ongoing coordination on regional and international issues

The quartet meeting in Istanbul was held as part of the four countries' commitment to contributing to diplomatic efforts and promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond, in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The ministers agreed to continue close consultation and coordination on the issues discussed, including developments in Palestine and Yemen, the conflict between the United States, the occupying state, and Iran, and the security of maritime navigation and freedom of passage through the Strait of Hormuz.