Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty spoke by phone with his new Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to discuss regional crises, including the latest developments in the Gaza war and efforts toward reaching a ceasefire in the 10-month-old conflict.
According to a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry, FM Abdelatty expressed to Araghchi Cairo’s hope for a truce agreement that would include a ceasefire in Gaza and a captive-prisoner exchange deal.
Abdelatty also voiced hopes that mediation efforts would succeed in reducing regional tensions to prevent further violence and escalation.
The two top diplomsats also discussed the repeated Israeli violations of international and humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip.
The call marks the first between Abdelatty and newly appointed Araghchi.
It came the same day Hamas announced it was sending a delegation to Cairo to be briefed on the ongoing Gaza talks.
Abdelatty had spoken with acting foreign minister Ali Bagheri Kani on four occasions since the Israeli assassinations of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur in Beirut on 31 July.
The twin assassinations prompted Iran to vow retaliation against Israel and led the US to pledge support for Israel, escalating regional tensions and fears of a wider conflict.
Aside from Gaza, Abdelatty congratulated Araghchi on his new role following his confirmation by the Iranian parliament, wishing him success in his upcoming duties.
At the end of the call, the ministers agreed to continue consultations to track the course of bilateral relations and regional developments.
Source: Ahram Online
