Egypt, Iran discuss bilateral relations, regional tensions  

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi yesterday met with his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, and  discussed the development of bilateral relations and diffusing regional tensions, Anadolu reported.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, held in the city of Kazan, Russia.

The two leaders “agreed on the importance of joint efforts to explore prospects for developing bilateral relations and exchanging views on the region’s developments,” according to a statement released by the Egyptian presidency.

Al-Sisi emphasised “the need to defuse regional tensions and avoid escalations that could lead the entire region into serious confrontations that have negative repercussions on security and stability.”

In this context, he highlighted Egypt’s intensive efforts and communications to push for de-escalation and reach a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.

He further stressed “ the necessity of rallying international efforts to encourage all parties to positively engage with endeavours aimed at restoring calm in the region, to allow for addressing the humanitarian catastrophe experienced by civilians in Palestine and Lebanon.”

This marks the first meeting between the Egyptian and Iranian presidents since the latter assumed office at the end of July.

READ: Egypt warns of regional spillover amid rising Iran, Israel tensions