Ishaq Dar Joins R-4 Talks with Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt

Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are continuing consultations through the R-4 foreign ministers’ framework, which focuses on regional developments, peace, security and stability. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has represented Pakistan in these discussions. The latest official record shows the four foreign ministers met in Amman on August 5, 2026, following their fourth meeting in Cairo in June.

What Is the R-4 Foreign Ministers’ Group?

The R-4 brings together the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt for consultations on regional and international issues.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry describes the framework as a platform for consultation, cooperation and coordination on matters affecting regional peace, security and stability. The group has also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation among the four countries.

The forum has become an important channel for the four countries to exchange views during periods of regional tension.

Ishaq Dar’s Role in the R-4 Talks

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has taken part in the R-4 meetings on behalf of Pakistan.

At the fourth R-4 meeting in Cairo on June 21, Dar met with the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to discuss regional and international developments. Pakistan said the meeting also focused on peace, security and stability.

Dar also held separate bilateral discussions with his counterparts during the Cairo visit, including talks with Egypt's foreign minister on trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people relations.

What Issues Are Being Discussed?

Regional peace and stability remain at the centre of the R-4 consultations.

At the June meeting, the ministers discussed the regional situation and welcomed the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran on June 18, 2026. They described it as a constructive step towards reducing tensions and addressing a conflict that had created wider security and economic risks.

The ministers also stressed the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and consultation among countries in the region.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role

Pakistan has remained active in diplomatic efforts linked to regional tensions. Its Foreign Ministry has said Islamabad supports dialogue and diplomacy as a way to address regional disputes.

At the June R-4 meeting, the four countries specifically recognised Pakistan's role in efforts connected with the US-Iran understanding. The ministers also called for continued coordination as negotiations moved into their next phase.

This gives Pakistan an opportunity to present its position directly while working with Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt on regional matters.

R-4 Meetings Have Continued Throughout 2026

The four countries have held several meetings during 2026 as part of their consultations.

First Meeting in Riyadh

The first meeting of the four foreign ministers was held in Riyadh on March 19, 2026. According to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, the meeting focused on the regional situation and cooperation among the four countries.

Second Meeting in Islamabad

The second meeting took place in Islamabad on March 29, 2026. Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt travelled to Pakistan for consultations with Dar.

The discussions covered the regional situation and efforts to reduce tensions.

Third Meeting in Antalya

The third R-4 foreign ministers' meeting was held in Antalya, Türkiye, in April 2026.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the ministers exchanged views on regional developments and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, stability and cooperation.

Fourth Meeting in Cairo

The fourth meeting was held in Cairo on June 21, 2026.

The ministers discussed regional developments, the Islamabad MoU between the United States and Iran and ways to strengthen cooperation among the four countries. They also discussed security concerns affecting the Gulf and wider Middle East.

What Happened at the Latest R-4 Meeting?

The R-4 foreign ministers also met in Amman on August 5, 2026, according to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry.

Dar met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on the sidelines of the wider ministerial meeting on Jerusalem. The R-4 ministers also met collectively in Amman.

This is important because it shows that consultation between the four countries has continued beyond the earlier Cairo meeting.

Why Is the R-4 Important?

The group gives Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt a regular channel for discussing shared regional concerns.

Its importance comes from the fact that the four countries can exchange positions before and during major regional developments. The framework also allows them to coordinate diplomatic responses without treating the group as a formal military or political alliance.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has described R-4 as an important platform for structured dialogue, strategic consultation and policy coordination on common issues.

What Could Come Next?

The four countries are likely to continue consultations on regional developments, particularly issues related to peace, security and diplomatic engagement.

However, the exact agenda and dates of any future R-4 meeting should be confirmed through official announcements before being reported as final.

For Pakistan, continued participation means Dar can maintain direct contact with his counterparts from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt while discussing issues that affect the wider region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is R-4?

R-4 is a consultation framework involving the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Who represents Pakistan in the R-4?

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar represents Pakistan in the foreign ministers' meetings.

Where was the fourth R-4 meeting held?

The fourth meeting was held in Cairo, Egypt, on June 21, 2026.

When did the R-4 ministers last meet?

The latest official Pakistani record available shows the R-4 foreign ministers met in Amman on August 5, 2026.

What are the main issues discussed by R-4?

The group discusses regional developments and issues involving peace, security, stability, diplomacy and cooperation.

Has R-4 discussed the US-Iran situation?

Yes. The June meeting discussed the Islamabad MoU between the United States and Iran and the wider regional situation.

Final Takeaway

The R-4 framework has become a regular channel for Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt to discuss regional developments. Ishaq Dar's participation keeps Pakistan directly involved in these consultations.

With meetings held in Riyadh, Islamabad, Antalya, Cairo and later Amman during 2026, the four countries have continued using the forum to support dialogue, coordination and regional stability.