CAIRO, May 20 (MENA) - President Abdel Fattah El Sisi welcomed the ceasefire agreement recently reached between India and Pakistan, describing it as a significant step toward easing tensions in South Asia.

This came in a telephone call he received on Tuesday from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, where the president emphasized the necessity of maintaining and building upon this truce through durable political solutions that would safeguard regional peace and stability.

Discussions between both leaders reflected their mutual commitment to regional stability and enhanced bilateral cooperation, presidential spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy said.

The Pakistani prime minister expressed his sincere appreciation for Egypt’s constructive role in supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation. He acknowledged President Sisi’s dedication to promoting peace and security both regionally and globally and praised Egypt’s diplomatic outreach in support of reconciliation.

The call also addressed the deepening of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on economic, trade, and investment cooperation, the spokesman said. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared aspiration to unlock broader avenues of collaboration, drawing upon the longstanding historical ties between Egypt and Pakistan and underscored the importance of coordinated efforts to confront terrorism and extremism, aligning with the proactive roles both nations play within their respective regional frameworks, he added.

In addition to bilateral and South Asian matters, the conversation turned to the situation in the Gaza Strip, with the two leaders voicing their strong support for an immediate ceasefire and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. They also emphasized the importance of swiftly implementing the Arab-Islamic initiative for the reconstruction of Gaza, leveraging its wide international backing to address the dire humanitarian crisis and contribute to lasting stability in the region.

The conversation reflected a mutual recognition of the critical challenges facing the broader region and a shared commitment to addressing them through diplomacy, cooperation and solidarity, the spokesman stated.
(MENA)
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