Cairo, May 10 (QNA) - Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, who is visiting Egypt, to discuss regional developments and de-escalation efforts, as well as ways to strengthen bilateral relations.

In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two sides affirmed the importance of continuing close coordination and consultations and working jointly to reduce escalation and support security and stability in the region.

The two ministers also reviewed the latest developments in the US-Iran negotiations. In this regard, the Egyptian Foreign Minister stressed the importance of supporting the negotiation process as it is the only path toward de-escalation and ending the war.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and addressing the security concerns of the Gulf Arab states, reiterating Egypt's condemnation of the unjustified attacks on Arab countries.

The ministers exchanged views on developments concerning the Palestinian issue, with Abdelatty underlining the importance of implementing the requirements of the first phase of the US plan and commencing its second phase.

He also highlighted the importance of the National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip to assume its duties from within the territory, in addition to the swift deployment of an international stabilization force.

The meeting also addressed developments in Lebanon, where the Egyptian foreign minister reaffirmed Egypt's support for Lebanon, stressing Cairo's condemnation of repeated Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and the importance of preserving Lebanon's unity and territorial integrity, while supporting national institutions in fully carrying out their responsibilities to maintain the country's security and stability. (QNA)