GCC

The Foreign Ministers of Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan met for the second time this month in the new quadrilateral format. The aim  of the meeting was primarily to support Pakistan's efforts to initiate US-Iran talks. The first meeting was held in Riyadh on March 19. Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday (29 March) said both the United States and Iran had expressed confidence in Pakistan to facilitate talks aimed at ending the ongoing United States-Israeli war on Iran, following “very productive consultations” among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt amid the rapidly escalating Middle East conflict. Speaking in a televised address after the high-level quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad, attended by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, Dar described the consultations as “candid, constructive and focused on exploring pathways to de-escalation.” Dar said the four foreign ministers held an in-depth discussion on the evolving regional situation and deliberated on “possible ways to bring an early and permanent end to the war in the region.” He noted that all participants expressed deep concern over the devastating human and economic toll of the conflict. “We agreed that this war is not in favour of anyone and would only lead to death and destruction. The unity of the Muslim Ummah in these challenging times is of utmost importance,” he added. Dar said he also briefed the visiting  ministers on the prospects of potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad. “The visiting foreign ministers expressed their fullest support to this initiative,” he said, adding that the participants reaffirmed unity to contain the situation, reduce risks of further military escalation, and create conditions for structured negotiations. “The foreign ministers advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable pathway to prevent conflict and promote regional peace and harmony. They also called for upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states,” he said. He further said the four countries agreed to strengthen mutual cooperation and decided to constitute a committee comprising senior officials from their respective foreign ministries to work out modalities for future coordination through consensus. (Click the picture to read the full story)

Ukrainian president, Volodomyr Zelensky, has just ended a tour to some of the Arab monarchies of the Gulf, during which he visited Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. For the past four years the Gulf countries have been lukewarm in their support for Ukraine, as it fought off an unprovoked Russian invasion. In these four years a steadfast Ukraine has developed the skills, and the equipment, to resist the continuous attack by Russian drones, most of which provided by Iran. Now the Arab Gulf states unexpectedly find themselves fighting off a similar threat, as Iran fires drones and missiles at them as it widens the conflict started by the US and Israel four weeks ago. Ukraine's experience and equipment are now desperately needed by the Arab Gulf countries. During the trip Zelensky managed to convince his Arab hosts to turn the page. He offered them Ukraine's equipment and expertise in their present predicament. His offer was gladly accepted. Two hundred Ukrainian advisors are already in the region. The Gulf countries will buy Ukrainian equipment and expertise. This is not just a transactional step. It is an important shift that will have long term implications. Ukraine is set to become a long term  strategic partner of Ukraine, as the sides agree on joint long term co-operation in anti-drone technology. The visit of Zelensky to the Arab Gulf monarchies further isolates Russia, and especially the Russian approach to Ukraine. It also cements a relationship that is important for both Ukraine and the GCC.