ISLAMABAD — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar participated in a meeting of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries held in Riyadh on March 18, where the evolving regional situation came under discussion, the Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed.
The meeting, hosted by Saudi Arabia, brought together the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar, along with representatives from Lebanon, Turkey, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates.
Pakistan’s Stance
During the session, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of all regional countries. He called for an immediate end to attacks on their territories and stressed the importance of unity among the Muslim Ummah in addressing shared challenges.
The deputy prime minister urged an immediate cessation of the ongoing conflict and advocated for dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means of resolving disputes. He also highlighted the need to address the root causes of the crisis, rather than merely managing its symptoms.
Condemnation of Aggression
Dar condemned what he described as continued aggression and provocations by Israel, as well as attacks on civilians, energy infrastructure, and critical facilities. He called for an end to such actions and cautioned against any steps that could undermine regional and global energy security.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role
Dar briefed participants on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts and reiterated the country’s commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
A joint statement was issued at the conclusion of the meeting, though specific details were not immediately released.
Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements
During his visit, Dar conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity and support to the Saudi foreign minister. On the sidelines of the main event, he held bilateral meetings with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, where the latest regional developments were discussed.
He also participated in a quadrilateral meeting involving regional foreign ministers held on the same occasion, further underscoring Pakistan’s active engagement with key regional players.
Context
The Riyadh moot takes place against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, with ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran, and their respective allies. For Pakistan, participation in such forums represents an opportunity to advocate for de-escalation while maintaining relationships with key Gulf and Muslim world partners.
