Seven-nation diplomatic summit to be held in Istanbul

On Friday, October 23, 2026, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is hosting a diplomatic summit in Istanbul, bringing together representatives from Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Britain, France, and Germany. This meeting marks the first time that the European E3 group and the R4 group, consisting of Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, have convened in this specific format. The initiative underscores Ankara's effort to position itself as a central mediator in various regional and international crises.

The primary items on the agenda include regional security in the Middle East, specifically the conflict between the United States and Iran and the necessity of ensuring freedom of navigation, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions will also cover the ongoing war in Ukraine, the situation in Yemen, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Minister Fidan is expected to emphasize the need for greater regional responsibility in maintaining stability to prevent the further spread of hostilities.

This summit follows recent developments in defense cooperation between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Agreement. The meeting aims to foster diplomatic solutions to prevent a wider escalation in the Middle East, with Fidan advocating for active regional involvement in crisis management.