Cairo, March 6 (QNA) - Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday to discuss the latest regional developments amid the ongoing escalation and widening conflict in the region.
In a statement, Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two sides agreed to maintain close consultations and coordination in the coming period on various regional and international issues of mutual concern, in support of efforts to safeguard regional and global security and stability.
During the call, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's position emphasizing the need to prioritize political and diplomatic solutions to prevent the region from sliding into a broader cycle of conflict and violence that could have serious consequences for the peoples and resources of the region.
He reiterated Egypt's condemnation and complete rejection of attacks targeting the Gulf states, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, stressing that such actions constitute an unacceptable violation of the security and sovereignty of brotherly and friendly nations.
The Egyptian foreign minister also warned of the dangerous repercussions of the continued escalation and the expansion of the conflict, which threaten regional and international peace and security. He underscored the importance of strengthening regional and international coordination to preserve stability and ensure the security of international navigation.
Regarding developments in the Gaza Strip, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to accelerating the implementation of the requirements of the second phase of the US President's plan for Gaza, while providing full support to the National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip and deploying an international stabilization force to ensure adherence to the ceasefire.
He noted that these steps are necessary to pave the way for early recovery and reconstruction efforts across the Strip, while stressing the importance of ensuring the continued flow of humanitarian and relief assistance to all areas of Gaza.
On developments in the Horn of Africa, Abdelatty stressed the importance of preserving the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of both Eritrea and Somalia. He also rejected any recognition of the so-called "Somaliland," describing it as a violation of international law and Somali sovereignty and warning of its potential repercussions for stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
Regarding Lebanon, the Egyptian foreign minister reiterated Egypt's rejection of any violation of Lebanon's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. He stressed the need for the full and non-selective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the cessation of all Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty, reaffirming Egypt's support for the Lebanese state's efforts to extend its authority across all Lebanese territory.
For his part, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the strong relations between Egypt and the United States and the mutual benefits of the strategic partnership between the two countries. He also commended Egypt's efforts to support regional security and stability, including facilitating the evacuation of foreign nationals through its territory for humanitarian reasons. (QNA)