CAIRO, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and the European Union's (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, discussed developments in the Middle East, particularly in the Gaza Strip and Iran, over the phone on Tuesday.
According to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Abdelatty briefed Kallas on the latest progress in ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages and prisoners.
He reviewed Egypt's coordination with Qatar and the United States in mediating a ceasefire agreement, underscoring the urgent need for the international community to intensify efforts to reach a durable truce and ensure the unimpeded entry of humanitarian and relief aid into the Strip.
For her part, the European official reiterated the EU's position on developments in Gaza, highlighting the gravity of the humanitarian situation in the Strip.
Kallas stressed the necessity of resuming UN humanitarian aid mechanisms to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, according to the statement.
The two sides also discussed recent developments surrounding the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran. Abdelatty stressed the importance of consolidating the agreement and reducing tensions across the region. He also highlighted the need to resume negotiations related to Iran's nuclear program.
The two sides exchanged views on the important role of the E3 group, comprising France, Britain, and Germany, in supporting the negotiation process to reach a settlement that addresses all concerns and contributes to de-escalation in the region. ■
