Ishaq Dar holds separate calls with Faisal bin Farhan and Hakan Fidan; follow-up on Istanbul meeting and regional developments discussed
ISLAMABAD, Monday, September 7, 2026 (WNP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held separate telephone conversations with Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation under the Makkah Defence Alliance and advancing understandings reached at its inaugural Strategic Political and Defence Committee meeting in Istanbul.
Dar spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, with the two foreign ministers exchanging views on regional and international developments, including matters of mutual interest at multilateral forums.
A key focus of the conversation was follow-up on the understandings reached during the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah Defence Alliance, held recently in Istanbul.
The two ministers agreed to remain in close contact and continue coordination on issues of mutual interest.
In a separate telephone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Dar thanked Türkiye for hosting the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Istanbul.
The two ministers reviewed the understandings reached during the meeting and discussed ways to further advance cooperation within the Makkah Defence Alliance, while also exchanging views on regional and international developments.
They also discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation at multilateral forums and agreed to maintain close contact.
The engagements with the Saudi and Turkish foreign ministers underscore Pakistan’s emphasis on strengthening strategic coordination with Riyadh and Ankara, particularly on regional security and defence cooperation.
Dar also held a telephone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, during which the two sides reviewed Pakistan-Egypt bilateral relations and regional and international developments. Abdelatty invited Dar to undertake a bilateral visit to Egypt, while both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and remaining engaged on regional security matters. They also agreed to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Dar separately spoke with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, discussing bilateral relations, cooperation in areas of mutual interest and regional developments. The two ministers agreed to remain in close contact and meet on the sidelines of the upcoming UNGA session.
During his conversation with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, Dar conveyed Pakistan’s condolences over the passing of King Harald V and sympathies to the Norwegian Royal Family and people. He also informed Eide that Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan had been nominated to represent Pakistan at the funeral procession in Oslo on September 9.
The series of diplomatic engagements reflects Islamabad’s continued efforts to maintain high-level coordination with key regional and international partners, with particular emphasis on strengthening the emerging Saudi Arabia-Türkiye-Pakistan security cooperation framework and promoting closer coordination on regional and multilateral issues.
