Cairo: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron, in a phone call on Saturday, discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and the provision of adequate humanitarian aid to civilians in the region.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the call touched on bilateral relations between Cairo and Paris, with both leaders expressing their commitment to strengthening cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade, and investment sectors, building on the momentum of Macron’s recent visit to Egypt.

The statement added that the two leaders focused on Egypt’s ongoing mediation efforts aimed at achieving de-escalation in Gaza. Both sides agreed on the importance of ensuring sufficient and appropriate humanitarian access to the Palestinian population.

El-Sisi and Macron also underscored the need for a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue, in accordance with international legitimacy and United Nations resolutions.

President Macron reaffirmed France’s full support for Egypt’s efforts in this regard, while President El-Sisi welcomed Macron’s recent announcement of France’s intention to formally recognize the State of Palestine.

The statement concluded by noting the mutual support for the joint French-Saudi initiative to hold a high-level international conference in New York later this July, aimed at addressing the broader crisis in the region.