Fidan Hosts E3-R4 Talks in Istanbul

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted European and Middle Eastern counterparts in Istanbul on Friday for talks on regional conflicts, maritime security and cooperation, in a first meeting of its kind. Reports differed on whether Italy was represented, with earlier accounts naming seven countries and a later account listing eight. The meeting brought together Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt, the R4 grouping, according to Turkish officials. A later account also included Italy among the European participants. The final attendance list was not established in the reports. The Turkish foreign ministry said the talks would cover the Palestinian issue, Yemen, the Strait of Hormuz, the Russia-Ukraine war and ways to strengthen coordination. It described the gathering as the first in the E3-R4 format, initiated by Ankara. The reported agenda placed regional conflict and security concerns alongside efforts to expand cooperation between European and Middle Eastern governments. Before the meeting, Turkish officials said Fidan would urge increased international pressure on Israel over settlement expansion, support Saudi...