Eight regional and European countries discuss protecting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab, Saudi Arabia's security in the face of Houthi attacks, and strengthening coordination to address regional and international crises.

Istanbul | BETH – October 23, 2026

The foreign ministers of eight regional and European countries met in Istanbul on Friday to discuss strengthening regional security, protecting international navigation, and developments in Yemen, Palestine and Ukraine, alongside opportunities to expand cooperation and coordination between regional countries and European powers.

The meeting brought together the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy, under a format comprising the four regional countries (R4) and the three European countries (E3), with Italy also participating.

Saudi Arabia's security in the face of Houthi attacks and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab emerged as key security issues, given their importance to regional stability and global trade and energy flows.

Turkey reaffirmed its support for the Kingdom's security against Houthi attacks targeting civilians and infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and the collective security approach represented by the Makkah Defense Alliance.

The meeting also addressed the Palestinian issue, developments in Syria, the Russia-Ukraine war, and ways to prevent conflicts from spreading to new areas.

Regarding Iran, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, warning that renewed military operations would increase the risks of a wider confrontation.

The meeting was held as part of efforts to expand coordination between regional and European powers and explore common approaches to addressing security and political challenges. No new implementation agreement or binding joint mechanism was announced.

BETH Analysis | Security First

The significance of the Istanbul meeting lies in bringing coordination between four regional powers and the participating European countries to discussions of security issues extending beyond national borders, particularly protecting navigation and confronting attacks that threaten stability.

Saudi Arabia's participation stands out as part of a diplomatic initiative that reinforces the concept of regional responsibility and cooperation with international partners, while the Makkah Defense Alliance adds a further security dimension to coordination between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan.

The most significant outcome is not the call for de-escalation with Iran, but rather the placement of regional security, maritime routes and defense cooperation among the priorities of regional-European dialogue.