FM discusses situation in region with French counterpart, British National Security Advisor

In line with the President's directives to intensify communications to halt the military escalation between Israel and Iran, Dr. Badr Abdel Aty, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, made two phone calls on Wednesday evening, June 18, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell. They exchanged views and assessments on the rapid developments in the region.

In his call with the French Foreign Minister, Abdel Aty stressed the importance of concerted regional and international efforts to de-escalate the situation in the region and contain the situation to avoid expanding the conflict. He warned of the extremely dangerous repercussions for the security and stability of the region if the military escalation continues, emphasizing that there is no alternative to political and diplomatic solutions to de-escalate the situation, achieve a ceasefire, and resume negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program.

He also stressed the importance of exerting all efforts to resume the ceasefire in Gaza, reviewing in this context the role played by Egypt with Qatar and the United States.

On the other hand, during the call with the British National Security Advisor, Minister Abdel Aty reviewed Egypt's efforts to de-escalate the situation, stressing the need to contain the military escalation between Israel and Iran. He also highlighted the responsibility of the E3 group to open channels for dialogue and negotiation and utilize all available channels with the Iranian side to reach compromises that contribute to de-escalation.

The French and British officials praised Egypt's efforts to halt the current escalation in the region and commended its constructive efforts on the Palestinian issue. They agreed to continue communications and work together to avoid escalation in the region and utilize available diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation.