ISLAMABAD, 24 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Foreign ministers of eight countries, including Pakistan, have called for dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation to address regional conflicts and promote lasting peace and stability. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, along with their counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, met in Istanbul on October 23, 2026, to discuss regional and international issues of mutual concern. The discussions focused on the US-Israel-Iran conflict, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for a negotiated two-state solution, as well as attacks by Houthi militias against Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government. The ministers also discussed maritime security, freedom of navigation and escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb and the Black Sea. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond, while addressing the security, economic and trade implications of ongoing conflicts. Emphasizing the importance of relevant United Nations resolutions, the ministers stressed the need for lasting, negotiated solutions to all outstanding conflicts. They also agreed to continue dialogue in the eight-country format to prevent conflicts and advance regional peace and stability.