.png?locale=en)
Alsharq Tribune- M.Essam
Egypt and Pakistan on Saturday discussed on Saturday ways of advancing and strengthening bilateral relations in political and economic fields, with a view to serving the interests of peoples of both countries.
During a phone call, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar praised the remarkable progress in bilateral relations and affirmed commitment to continuing efforts to boost cooperation in various fields, in light of the historical ties and common interests shared by the two nations.
They discussed developments in the Middle East, particularly the latest situation in Gaza, according to Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tamim Khalaf.
Abdelatty underscored the importance of full implementation of the first phase of the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement. He stressed that both parties to the conflict must honor all their commitments in order to proceed to the second phase.
The Egyptian PM highlighted the importance of the effective implementation of the plan announced by US President Donald Trump.
A Foreign Ministry statement noted that the two sides discussed the ongoing consultations on the draft UN Security Council resolution regarding developments in Gaza as well as relevant security arrangements.
Abdelatty and Dar stressed the importance of ensuring that the resolution contributes to solidifying the end of the war and creating conditions conducive to achieving a just and comprehensive peace that fulfills the aspirations of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.
Late last month, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received in Cairo Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir and emphasized Egypt’s keenness to continue strengthening and advancing bilateral cooperation in various fields.
This cooperation aims to achieve the common aspirations of the Egyptian and Pakistani peoples and contribute to boosting efforts for development and prosperity in both countries, the President had said.
The meeting also covered ways to enhance regional security and peace, both in the Middle East and South Asia. There was a strong emphasis on intensifying consultation between the two countries to avoid escalation and address common challenges.
The meeting also included exploring avenues for cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism and extremism. In July, El-Sisi met with Pakistan's Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Lt. Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza and discussed ways of promoting bilateral cooperation, especially in military and security fields, alongside exchanging expertise in combating terrorism and extremism.
During his meeting with Dar on Saturday, Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s efforts to host the international conference on early recovery, reconstruction, and development in Gaza, in cooperation with international partners.
He invited his Pakistani counterpart to participate actively in the upcoming event. Earlier, Abdelatty had emphasized the urgent need to initiate early recovery and reconstruction plans in Gaza as soon as possible.
He said this should be done within a comprehensive vision that protects the rights of the Palestinians, in accordance with both the Arab-Islamic plan for early recovery and reconstruction and US President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan.
Last month, Egypt and Pakistan said they are strengthening their military cooperation as Egypt’s Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of Defense and Military Production, Gen. Abdel Mageed Saqr, met with Gen. Munir in Cairo.
Saqr had expressed his “appreciation for the close ties between the armed forces of both countries,” emphasizing “the importance of bolstering efforts to achieve security and stability amid the rapid changes on the regional and international scenes.”
