CAIRO, JUN 21 /DNA/ – In a significant development for regional diplomacy, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar joined a high-level joint delegation to call on His Excellency Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, in Cairo today.
The delegation included Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, and Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The meeting underscored the growing importance of the R4 framework as a vital platform for strategic consultation and policy coordination.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Strengthening Egypt Ties
During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Dar conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to President El-Sisi. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding, brotherly, and multifaceted relations with Egypt.
Senator Dar noted with appreciation the positive momentum generated through recent high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Egypt, which have significantly contributed to deepening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including trade, defense, and cultural exchange.
Exchange of Leadership Visits on the Horizon
In a major diplomatic breakthrough, the Deputy Prime Minister welcomed President El-Sisi’s acceptance of the Prime Minister’s invitation to visit Pakistan. He expressed the hope that the exchange of leadership visits between the two countries would take place at the earliest mutually convenient opportunity, further cementing the bilateral relationship.
Focus on Middle East Peace and Regional Stability
The high-level meeting provided an opportunity for an extensive exchange of views on regional and international developments, particularly the evolving situation in the Middle East. The leaders emphasized the importance of advancing peace, stability, dialogue, and diplomatic engagement across the region to resolve ongoing conflicts.
President El-Sisi’s Response
President El-Sisi reciprocated the warm greetings and best wishes conveyed by the leadership of Pakistan. He appreciated Pakistan’s constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and diplomatic engagement in the region.
The Egyptian President specifically commended the contributions of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, and the Chief of Army Staff towards efforts aimed at fostering regional peace and stability. President El-Sisi expressed the hope that ongoing efforts and the next phase of negotiations would contribute to lasting peace, security, and prosperity across the wider region.
The Rising Significance of the R4 Framework
The meeting also focused on the consultations held among the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye under the R4 framework. The leaders underscored the growing significance of the R4 as an important platform for structured dialogue, strategic consultation, and policy coordination on issues of common interest.
They expressed confidence that sustained engagement and collective efforts would contribute to promoting peace, stability, economic development, and regional prosperity, while advancing the shared interests of their countries and peoples.
A Warm and Cordial Atmosphere
The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the close bonds of friendship and mutual respect among the participating countries. This gathering marks a pivotal step towards enhanced multilateral cooperation in the region.
