AI-generated illustration

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said a foreign ministers' meeting in Istanbul between the E4 group of Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy and the R4 group of Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey was more productive than expected, and that all eight countries accepted an invitation to hold the next session in Germany.

Wadephul said preparations would start soon and stressed the need for coordination among the eight nations, saying the group must speak with one voice on conflicts affecting shipping, energy prices and food security.

Eight countries agree to continue the format

Speaking after the Istanbul talks, Wadephul said the meeting had exceeded expectations and that the eight countries had agreed to convene regularly, with Germany hosting the next gathering. All eight accepted the invitation, he said, and preparations would begin shortly.

Wadephul pointed to the importance of coordination and a common position among the participants. "We realized here that the situation requires coordination, agreement and the voice of these eight countries, because when we say 'enough is enough', we speak with one voice," he said.

European and regional partners share the view that there is an urgent need to prevent further escalation of tensions at the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, Wadephul said. "Our aim is to find an entry point to an exit from these long-standing conflicts. There is no easy solution. We are ready to explore new diplomatic approaches and thereby contribute to restoring stability and freedom of navigation," he said.

Maritime attacks and Iran diplomacy

Wadephul said attacks by Iran and the Houthis on international shipping were putting pressure on the global economy, and voiced support for Saudi Arabia's right to defend itself against Houthi strikes. He called for the European Union's commitments under the Aspides naval mission to be implemented through concrete steps, for the legitimate government in Yemen to be supported, and for suitable conditions to be created to restart negotiations with the Houthis.

The effects of the conflicts on energy prices are also being felt in Germany, Wadephul said, adding that all parties must return to the negotiating table to prevent a new escalation. "There is no military solution to this conflict," he said, calling for more diplomatic efforts.

On Iran, Wadephul said Tehran must show serious will for a sustainable diplomatic solution and urged the Iranian leadership to drop excessive demands and be open to talks. He said Germany, France and the United Kingdom (E3) have significant experience in nuclear negotiations and are ready to discuss a concrete agreement that would prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Black Sea grain shipments

Wadephul addressed the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on global food security and said new routes must be found to restart grain shipments across the Black Sea. He criticized Russia for continuing its attacks on Ukraine and said Moscow must respond to Kyiv's calls for negotiations to end the war.

Wadephul argued that Russian attacks on Black Sea grain shipments have deepened the food crisis in the Global South, and said work would be done to get both Russian and Ukrainian grain to international markets. "What matters is that both aid ships from Ukraine and from Russia can leave the ports, and that grain shipments reach the places in urgent need, meaning people suffering from hunger in the Global South," he said.

The risk of grain spoiling requires fast action, he said, and resuming shipments through the Black Sea is in everyone's interest. Wadephul referred to Turkey's diplomatic contacts on the issue, saying Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is conducting intensive negotiations with both sides.

Thanks to Erdoğan and Fidan

In a post on the US-based X platform, Wadephul described "a special moment" during the visit, writing: "Thank you for hosting the European and regional foreign ministers at the historic Dolmabahçe Palace, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan." He said the group greatly appreciated Turkey's warm hospitality as they sought ways to resolve the long-running conflicts.

Wadephul noted that today's R4+E3 meeting in Istanbul was a first, and wrote: "Thank you for hosting our joint initiative, Hakan Fidan." He said the meeting was a good start and that he looked forward to welcoming the partners in Germany to continue the dialogue, adding that they are determined to explore ways to get grain to those in need in the Black Sea.

Key takeaways

• All eight E4-R4 countries accepted an invitation to hold the next foreign ministers' meeting in Germany.
• Wadephul said there is no military solution to the conflicts and called for a return to negotiations.
• Germany and its E3 partners said they are ready for talks on a concrete deal to keep Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
• Wadephul backed renewed Black Sea grain shipments and pointed to Turkey's negotiations with both Russia and Ukraine.