CAIRO, Jan 20 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty discussed with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte Egypt's efforts to reach an agreement on a Gaza ceasefire, a hostage-prisoner swap and securing the flow of life-saving humanitarian aid into the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

During their phone call on Monday, Abdelatty reviewed the growing challenges and threats facing the Middle East region, the evolving situation in Syria, the developments in Gaza, tensions in the Red Sea area and instability in the Sahel region.

He was keen to post NATO chief on Egypt's assiduous efforts to settle regional crises and boost regional security and stability.

Talks between the two sides took up Egypt's position regarding the latest developments in Syria, asserting that Egypt stands in solidarity with the Syrian people, respects the unity and territorial integrity of Syria and supports its national institutions, underlining the importance of launching an inclusive political process to settle the conflict in the country.

He appreciated NATO's plan for engagement with its southern neighbourhood which aims at providing opportunities for cooperation on issues of mutual interest, noting that through its partnerships, NATO can foster greater security and stability in the Middle East, North Africa and in the Sahel, thus contributing to peace and prosperity in the region.

He voiced Egypt's interest in boosting cooperation with the alliance in numerous areas, topped by capacity-building and know-how transfer, particularly in the domains of counterterrorism and cybersecurity.
(MENA)
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