MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty expressed concern over the escalating situation in Syria and stressed the need to prevent the spread of the terrorist threat, which could destabilize the entire region, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following a telephone conversation between the officials.
"During the conversation, the sides conducted a thorough exchange of views on key Middle East issues, focusing on the ongoing developments in Syria. They expressed grave concern over the sharp escalation in the country and reaffirmed their support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. The ministers also emphasized the need to prevent the spread of the terrorist threat, which could destabilize the entire region," the ministry said.
The agency added that the ministers discussed the situation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone. "The parties emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the creation of conditions for a just resolution of the Palestinian issue based on universally recognized international legal principles," the ministry stated.
In addition, the ministers discussed promising projects and areas for further development of Russian-Egyptian cooperation. "They confirmed their mutual interest in maintaining a strong political dialogue and expanding trade, economic, and humanitarian ties," the Russian Foreign Ministry concluded.