Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye and Pakistan have emphasized the need for joint efforts to protect vital waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, to ensure freedom of navigation and safeguard global supply chains and energy markets.
The statement was issued during the fifth meeting of the four-party regional group held in Amman on Wednesday, where foreign ministers discussed regional security developments, efforts to reduce tensions and the importance of pursuing diplomatic solutions.
The ministers welcomed Saudi Arabia’s initiative to establish a multinational maritime defense alliance aimed at strengthening maritime security, protecting international shipping routes and addressing threats targeting global trade and navigation.
The meeting was attended by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty and Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
The ministers stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, while supporting mediation efforts, including Pakistani-Qatari initiatives, to address regional challenges and enhance stability.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Prince Faisal bin Farhan held talks with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on developments in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as efforts to support regional security and stability.
He also discussed with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein ways to strengthen Iraq’s relations with Arab and Islamic countries, while ensuring that Iraqi territory and resources are not used to threaten neighboring states.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, expressed appreciation for international support for the Kingdom’s Maritime Defense Alliance, which seeks to create a joint framework to protect shipping lanes, trade routes and energy supplies in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab and the Gulf of Aden.
The Cabinet also reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomatic efforts to reduce regional escalation and achieve lasting peace.
Saudi Arabia also denied reports of direct talks with the Houthi group in Muscat or through intermediaries, following media reports suggesting discussions were underway to ease tensions in the Red Sea.
Separately, Pakistani sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir are scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia as part of ongoing regional consultations.
