ISLAMABAD/RIYADH – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan at a critical ministerial meeting of Arab and Islamic countries held in Riyadh on March 18, 2026. The summit, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, brought together foreign ministers from across the region to coordinate a unified response to escalating regional tensions and security challenges.

During the high-level deliberations, Senator Dar expressed Pakistan's unwavering support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of brotherly regional nations. He emphasized the urgent need to halt all attacks against sovereign territories to prevent further destabilization of the Middle East.

Call for Unity and an End to Aggression

Underscoring the importance of preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah, the Deputy Prime Minister called for a swift conclusion to ongoing conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. Key highlights from his address included:

Condemnation of Aggression: Strongly condemned Israel’s continued provocations and aggression against regional countries.
Infrastructure Protection: Called for an end to unwarranted attacks on civilians, energy facilities, and critical infrastructure.
Global Economic Security: Warned that threats to regional energy security exacerbate global economic challenges.

Bilateral and Quadrilateral Diplomacy

On the sidelines of the main summit, Senator Dar engaged in intensive diplomatic outreach. He held bilateral meetings with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov to discuss bilateral cooperation and the latest regional developments.

Furthermore, Pakistan participated in a strategic Quadrilateral Meeting involving the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. This session focused on harmonizing positions among key regional powers to address the root causes of the current crisis affecting the wider region.

Message of Solidarity

Senator Dar also conveyed a message of strong solidarity from the Government and people of Pakistan to Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to continue playing a constructive role in overcoming regional security hurdles and fostering long-term peace.

What was the purpose of Ishaq Dar's visit to Saudi Arabia in March 2026?

Senator Ishaq Dar visited Riyadh to attend a ministerial meeting of Arab and Islamic countries to discuss regional security developments and coordinate efforts for peace and stability.

Which countries participated in the Riyadh Ministerial Meeting?

The meeting included Foreign Ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Syria, Türkiye, and the UAE.

What was discussed in the Quadrilateral Meeting in Riyadh?

The Quadrilateral Meeting between Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye focused on regional coordination and addressing the root causes of the ongoing crises in the Middle East.