CAIRO, June 19 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration Badr Abdelatty underlined the importance of mobilizing regional and international efforts to halt escalation in the region and contain the situation between Iran and Israel in order stave off expanding the conflict.

He cautioned of the perilous repercussions on regional security and stability if the military escalation continued.

He made the remarks during phone calls with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and
British National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell.

The phone calls were held within the framework of the president's directives to intensify contacts to put an end to the military escalation between Israel and Iran.

During the phone call with the French foreign minister, Abdelatty said only political and diplomatic solutions can de-escalate the situation and lead to ceasing fire and resuming negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program.

He highlighted that the ongoing military escalation should not distract attention from the catastrophic conditions in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, stressing the importance of exerting all needed efforts to resume the ceasefire.

In this context, Abdelatty reviewed the role played by Egypt alongside Qatar and the US in this regard.

He also underscored the importance of alleviating the suffering of the Palestinians, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid, and working on a political solution for the Palestinian cause and establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution.

He expressed hope that European countries would recognize the Palestinian state, considering this a key pillar for achieving peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.

During the phone call with the British national security advisor, Abdelatty reviewed Egypt’s efforts to stop the escalation, emphasizing the necessity of containing the military conflict between Israel and Iran.

He pointed to the responsibility of the E3 Group - comprising France, Germany, and the UK - in opening channels for dialogue and negotiation and utilizing all available means with the Iranian side to reach compromises that contribute to stopping the escalation.

The French and British officials praised Egypt’s efforts to halt the current escalation in the region.

They also commended Egypt's constructive efforts regarding the Palestinian issue.

It was agreed to continue communications and work jointly to avoid escalation in the region and utilize available diplomatic channels to ease tension. (MENA)
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