Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aati received a phone call from his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares on Sunday, during which they discussedregional developments and bilateral ties.
The call is part of the regular consultations between the two nations, and has focused on the deteriorating regional situation and Egypt’s diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions, ministry spokesperson Tamim Khallafsaid in a statement.
Abdel-Aati reviewed Egypt’s intensive contacts and diplomatic efforts that aim at de-escalating tensions, and stressed the need to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy to prevent the region from sliding into broader instability.
The two ministers also touched on developments in Gaza and the West Bank, as Abdel-Aati commended Madrid’s support for the Palestinian cause.
He urged that attention remain focused on developments in the occupied Palestinian territories despite rising regional tensions.
The Egyptian top diplomat also stressed the need to proceed with the second phase of a US-backed plan, launch the national committee to administer Gaza from within the enclave, deploy an international stabilisationforce, reopen the Rafah crossing in both directions and ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian, relief and medical aid.
Abdel-Aati condemned the rising settlers’ violence, continued settlement expansion and Israel’s legislative measures, which he said violate international law.
In addition, the two ministers discussed the situation in Lebanon, with Abdel-Aati highlighting the results of his March 26 visit to Beirut and calling for an immediate halt to Israeli escalation, stressing Egypt’s rejection of any violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty or targeting of civilian infrastructure and urging full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701.
Meanwhile, Albares condemned inappropriate behaviour by a group of soccer fans during a friendly football match between Egypt and Spain on March 31.
Such actions are unacceptable and don’t at all mirror the solid ties between the two countries, he said, adding that Spain would take legal action against those responsible, the statement said.
