title:Saudi FM Phone Calls with Pakistan Turkey FMs on Regional Stability
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan engagedin separate telephone conversations with his Pakistani and Turkishcounterparts in early January, focusing on pressing regional developmentsand collaborative efforts to promote security and stability across theMiddle East and beyond. The calls, announced by the Saudi Foreign Ministry,come at a time of heightened diplomatic activity among the three nations,underscoring their shared interest in addressing volatile issues throughdialogue and coordination.
The discussions between Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Pakistan’s DeputyPrime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar centered on theevolving situation in the region, including efforts toward peace in Yemenand broader stability. This marked the second such interaction within ashort period, reflecting the close and multifaceted ties between Islamabadand Riyadh. Pakistan welcomed Saudi initiatives and emphasized theimportance of amicable resolutions guided by principles of unity andbrotherhood.
In parallel, Prince Faisal held talks with Turkish Foreign Minister HakanFidan, where both sides exchanged views on the latest regional dynamics andjoint measures to enhance security. These conversations highlight thegrowing convergence of interests among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkeyin navigating complex geopolitical challenges, including tensions in theMiddle East and concerns over external influences.
The timing of these telephonic exchanges coincides with ongoing trilateraldeliberations on a potential defense cooperation framework betweenPakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Reports indicate that after nearly ayear of negotiations, a draft agreement has been prepared and is underreview by all parties, separate from the existing bilateral mutual defensepact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed last year.
Pakistan’s Minister for Defence Production confirmed that the trilateraldraft is actively being deliberated, with copies shared among the threecapitals. This proposed arrangement aims to foster deeper collaboration indefense matters, potentially creating a robust platform for addressingshared security threats such as terrorism and regional instability.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan acknowledged that discussions havetaken place but clarified that no formal agreement has been signed yet. Heframed the talks within President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s vision for aninclusive regional mechanism that promotes wider cooperation and stability,avoiding direct confrontation while building trust among stakeholders.
These diplomatic interactions occur against the backdrop of a rapidlychanging regional landscape, where traditional alliances are beingreassessed. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey share common concerns overissues like the situation in Yemen, Gaza, and broader Middle Easternvolatility, prompting increased coordination at the foreign ministeriallevel.
The calls also reflect Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy, as Foreign MinisterIshaq Dar engaged with multiple counterparts during his visit to Beijingfor strategic dialogues with China. Such engagements demonstrateIslamabad’s commitment to balancing relations with key allies whileadvocating for peaceful resolutions through dialogue.
Observers note that the strengthened communication channels could pave theway for expanded cooperation beyond defense, including economic andstrategic domains. The three countries possess complementary strengths:Pakistan’s military expertise, Saudi Arabia’s financial resources, andTurkey’s advanced defense industry capabilities.
As regional powers seek to counterbalance external pressures and promoteautonomy in security affairs, these telephonic conversations signal amaturing trilateral relationship. The emphasis on joint efforts forstability suggests a strategic alignment aimed at fostering long-term peacein a turbulent neighborhood.
Experts suggest that while challenges remain, including differing positionson certain issues, the recent outreach indicates positive momentum.Continued dialogue at this level is likely to contribute to de-escalationand collaborative problem-solving in the coming months.
Source:https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2628127/saudi-arabia
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