Russian, Egyptian foreign ministers exchange views on situation in Middle East

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, exchanged views Wednesday on the situation in the Middle East, with a focus on the Gaza Strip, according to a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Lavrov and Shoukry underlined the need for a “speedy consolidation of international efforts in the interests of a fair settlement on a generally recognized basis, involving the creation of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with its capital in East Jerusalem.”

It said the foreign ministers emphasized the need for a Palestinian state to coexist “in peace and security” with Israel and they also discussed issues to further develop bilateral relations.

That includes "strengthening foreign policy interaction at the UN and other international platforms, as well as the implementation of large-scale projects in the trade and economic sphere,” it added.

Lavrov also held meetings with his Brazilian, Mexican and Paraguayan counterparts.​​​​​​​