NEW YORK: Pakistan, Türkiye and Egypt have affirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its territory and people under international law after condemning recent Houthi attacks on the kingdom, according to a joint statement issued following talks between the four countries’ foreign ministers.
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt met in New York on September 21 on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, with their joint statement released the following day.
The ministers strongly condemned attacks against Saudi Arabia, including recent Houthi attacks, and reaffirmed support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
They also affirmed Saudi Arabia’s inherent right to defend itself, its territory and its people in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
The declaration gives Pakistan a direct role in a coordinated regional diplomatic response at a time of renewed security tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis.
Maritime security highlighted
The four ministers also stressed the importance of protecting the safety and freedom of maritime navigation, an issue with wider implications for regional trade and energy flows.
The statement came amid heightened regional tensions, with the ministers expressing deep concern over continuing hostilities and saying dialogue and diplomacy remained the path to a sustainable resolution.
They called for continued consultation and coordination among the four governments and reaffirmed support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Presidential Leadership Council, backing efforts to achieve security, stability and development through a political process and an inclusive Yemeni dialogue.
Gaza and Sudan also discussed
The meeting covered conflicts beyond Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
On Palestine, the four countries reiterated support for Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable and contiguous Palestinian state on the basis of the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
They also backed Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity and called for an end to illicit flows of weapons, mercenaries and foreign fighters into the country.
The ministers agreed to maintain consultations on regional and international developments, describing coordination among the four countries as a means of supporting security and longer-term stability.