Pakistan, Egypt call for de-escalation in Middle East talks

Pakistan and Egypt called for diplomacy and de-escalation to ease rising tensions in the Middle East during talks on Wednesday, between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, the discussions took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, to discuss regional security and the need for dialogue to prevent further escalation.

Dar met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during a dinner hosted by Abdelatty ahead of the ASEAN Regional Forum 2026. According to a statement from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, the two officials exchanged views on developments in Palestine, reaffirming their shared opposition to violence against civilians and illegal settlement activity in the occupied West Bank.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 attended a dinner meeting hosted by Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, on the eve of the ASEAN Regional Forum #ARF2026 in Manila.

The two… pic.twitter.com/NFi3smFkU8

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 22, 2026

The ministers also reviewed the broader bilateral relationship, discussing ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, economic collaboration, and coordination at multilateral forums. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding ties and maintaining close coordination on shared priorities.

Turning to wider developments in the Middle East, both ministers emphasized the need for dialogue and de-escalation, while stressing the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region.

They also discussed the potential ripple effects of regional instability on global maritime trade, energy security, and the broader world economy, concerns that have grown more urgent amid ongoing tensions across the Middle East.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herath, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum #ARF2026 in Manila.

The two Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the close and friendly relations between… pic.twitter.com/1d9eZviLwW

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 22, 2026

The two officials reviewed outcomes from the recent regional four consultations held in Cairo and reaffirmed their joint commitment to promoting peace, stability, and regional cooperation going forward. Separately, Dar held talks with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn during the forum.

In his meeting with Herath, both sides welcomed positive momentum in bilateral engagement, including growing trade and economic ties, and agreed to deepen cooperation in connectivity, defense, and people to people exchanges.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila.

The two sides reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/vcjsg6Jw0K

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 22, 2026

The ASEAN chief acknowledged Pakistan’s role in promoting dialogue and de-escalation amid recent regional developments, with both sides agreeing to remain closely engaged on matters of mutual interest going forward.

The series of meetings underscores Pakistan’s broader diplomatic push during the forum, as officials balanced discussions on regional security with efforts to deepen economic and strategic ties across South and Southeast Asia.

With Middle East tensions continuing to draw international attention, and reflect a shared interest among Pakistan, Egypt, and other regional partners in promoting stability through diplomacy rather than escalation.