R4 ministers welcome US-Iran MoU, back Palestinian statehood

Foreign ministers from Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia welcomed the recent US-Iran memorandum of understanding aimed at easing regional tensions and reaffirmed their support for Palestinian statehood during a meeting in Cairo on Sunday. The fourth consultative meeting of the R4 grouping, held at Egypt’s invitation, issued a joint statement emphasising the importance of continued consultation and coordination in promoting peace, security, and stability across the Middle East.

Islamabad MoU and Pakistan’s role

The ministers welcomed the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding on June 18, describing it as “a constructive step towards de‑escalation and towards ending a conflict which posed significant risks to regional security.” They commended Pakistan’s role in achieving the “historic outcome” and acknowledged Qatar’s support in facilitating the negotiations. The ministers stressed the need for a swift conclusion to the next phase to reach “a lasting, verifiable, and mutually acceptable solution” that takes into account the concerns of Gulf and Levant states.

Palestinian cause

Reaffirming that the Palestinian cause remains central to Middle East peace, the ministers backed the right of Palestinians to self‑determination and the establishment of an independent state based on the June 4, 1967, borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with UN Security Council resolutions. The R4 grouping, first convened in Riyadh in March, has previously met in Islamabad and Antalya. The ministers also commended regional and international efforts that facilitated the agreement.