CAIRO, July 16 (MENA) - In line with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's directives to intensify diplomatic efforts toward de-escalating regional tensions, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration Badr Abdelatty held a series of high-level talks with key international stakeholders.

These included Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, US Presidential Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi.

During the discussions, Abdelatty stressed the importance of pursuing peaceful solutions and resuming negotiations concerning the Iranian nuclear issue.

He reaffirmed Egypt’s steadfast position that military options are not viable, neither for this matter nor for other crises undermining regional stability.

The talks also included an exchange of views on mechanisms to de-escalate tensions and establish a comprehensive ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

They stressed the need to prevent the resumption of hostilities and reinforce a political, peaceful solution to the conflict.

The talks with US Envoy Steve Witkoff addressed the ongoing intensive efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and ensure its sustainability.

The discussion focused on advancing the process of releasing a number of hostages and detainees in exchange for halting military operations, and guaranteeing the unimpeded and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid, in light of the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in the Strip.

Abdelatty also reaffirmed Egypt’s categorical rejection of any proposals involving the establishment of temporary encampments in southern Gaza or initiatives that could result in demographic changes in the occupied Palestinian territories.

He presented Egypt’s proposal to host an international conference focused on early recovery and post-conflict reconstruction, to be convened following the establishment of a ceasefire.

This initiative is in line with the Arab-Islamic plan aimed at speeding up Gaza’s recovery and rebuilding.

For his part, US Envoy Steve Witkoff commended Egypt’s efforts, under the leadership of Presiden Sisi, to advance regional peace and stability.

He underscored Egypt’s role as a vital strategic partner of the United States in these efforts. (MENA)
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