ISTANBUL: Islamabad is expected to host high-level diplomatic talks involving Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Türkiye as efforts intensify to address the ongoing Middle East conflict.
According to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the meeting—initially planned to take place in Türkiye—has been shifted to Islamabad due to logistical considerations.
“Initially, we had planned to hold this meeting in Turkey… however, since our Pakistani counterparts are required to remain in their country, we moved the meeting to Pakistan,” Fidan said while speaking to a Turkish broadcaster, adding that the talks could take place as early as this weekend.
The proposed meeting is expected to bring together foreign ministers from the four Muslim-majority countries to deliberate on the evolving situation in the Middle East.
Pakistan has increasingly positioned itself as a key diplomatic intermediary, particularly between Iran and the United States, facilitating the exchange of messages as tensions persist.
In a related development, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul indicated that a direct meeting between Washington and Tehran could take place in Pakistan “very soon,” though he did not disclose further details.
While Tehran has not officially acknowledged direct negotiations with Washington, reports suggest that Iran has conveyed its response to a proposed 15-point peace plan by US President Donald Trump through Islamabad, highlighting Pakistan’s growing role in backchannel diplomacy.
If confirmed, the talks would mark a significant diplomatic initiative aimed at easing tensions and exploring pathways toward de-escalation in the region.
By AFP
