FM stresses need to build on ceasefire deal

Shoukri reasserted Egypt’s firm position on reaching two-state solution to achieve peace, security and stability

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri stressed the need to build on a ceasefire agreement signed between Palestinians and Israelis by stopping all practices that lead to tension and escalate confrontations, especially in the Palestinian territories.

The foreign minister’s remarks came as he received Sunday Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi at Tahrir Palace.

During the meeting, Shoukri highlighted the need to take into account the special sensitivity associated with East Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa Mosque and all Islamic and Christian sanctities.

The visit comes as part of Egypt’s communication with the Palestinian and Israeli sides to consolidate the ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Shoukri also expressed the importance of moving during the coming period to take more measures aimed at strengthening the calm and providing the necessary conditions to create a favourable atmosphere to revive the desired political path and to launch serious and constructive negotiations between the two sides.

FM Shoukri also reasserted Egypt’s firm position that reaching a two-state solution is the only way to achieve the just and lasting peace, security and stability, affirming the right of the brotherly Palestinian people to self determination through the establishment of their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The two ministers also discussed ways to facilitate the urgent reconstruction of the Gaza Strip during the coming stage. They also agreed to continue consultations between the two countries and the Palestinian Authority to discuss how to get out of the current stalemate in the peace track.