MENA (Middle East & North Africa) is a geopolitical term referring to the region that includes countries like Syria, the Arabian Peninsula, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Iraq along with few other countries.
These countries are significant players in the region, with Egypt, Iran, and Turkey being the most populous, while Saudi Arabia is the largest in terms of land area.
The current crisis in the region likely involves several issues, but without more context, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact nature of the reported ceasefire discussions taking place in the wake of the war between US-Israel and Iran. However, given the countries involved, it’s probable that the talks are related to regional security, political stability, and economic cooperation.
Pakistan’s FM and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar is hosting a 2-day meeting in Islamabad with Foreign Ministerss from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt to discuss Gulf and Middle East tensions.
Pakistan’s FM and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar met separately with Egyptian FM Badr Al-Atta and Turkish FM Hakan Fidan before the meeting, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ X posts.
Pakistan said on March 28 it’s hosting FM-level talks in Islamabad with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey to help end the Middle East conflict.
Earlier, Turkey was expected to host talks to end the Middle East conflict, but Pakistan’s growing role in Iran-US negotiations shifted the venue to Islamabad.
The US and Israel have been attacking Iran since Feb 28, and Tehran has responded with missile and drone strikes on Israel and US bases in Gulf countries. Israel has also targeted Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The situation has raised fears of a wider war, pushing up oil prices. UN chief Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East after US-Israeli attacks on Iran began.
By- Laiba yousafzai
