Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Co-operation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty stressed on Monday the need to prioritise political and diplomatic solutions, halt regional escalation and contain rising tensions to prevent conflicts from spreading and the region from descending into a wider cycle of instability.
Abdelatty made the remarks during a telephone conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, during which the two ministers discussed ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between Egypt and France, expand bilateral economic co-operation and address the latest regional developments.
The ministers emphasised the importance of taking Egyptian-French relations to broader horizons by building on the momentum of the strategic partnership. Abdelatty highlighted promising opportunities for French companies in the Egyptian market and affirmed his commitment to expanding co-operation across various fields.
Regarding regional tensions, Abdelatty stressed the importance of returning to the negotiating track between the United States and Iran and resuming implementation of the memorandum of understanding reached between the two sides.
He described the agreement as a framework that could help reduce tensions and create the conditions for broader and sustainable understandings, stressing that diplomacy remains the best means of resolving disputes and safeguarding regional security and stability.
On the Palestinian issue, Abdelatty underscored the need to adhere to the requirements of the first and second phases of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, which he described as a proposed framework for ending the conflict and achieving stability.
He stressed the importance of Israel fulfilling its obligations and halting measures that undermine prospects for peace, particularly settlement expansion.
The two ministers also discussed developments in Syria, stressing the importance of supporting the country’s stability and preserving its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, while enabling it to fulfil its responsibilities and safeguard its security and stability.
The ministers agreed to maintain close co-ordination and consultations in the coming period, given Egypt and France’s important roles in supporting regional stability and promoting political and diplomatic solutions to regional crises, thereby contributing to greater security and peace.
