ISTANBUL

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip during a phone call on Friday.

A presidency statement said Sisi stressed the need to implement the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement under US President Donald Trump’s plan.

The two leaders also explored ways to advance political, economic, and investment cooperation, increase trade, and boost cooperation in the fields of industry, tourism, and transportation, the statement said.

They also addressed regional developments, including the situation in Gaza. Sisi hailed France's support for Egypt's efforts that led to the Gaza ceasefire, emphasizing the need to implement the second phase of the agreement.

The Egyptian president also emphasized the importance of increasing the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and immediately launching the early recovery and reconstruction phase.

Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s firm rejection of Israeli violations in the West Bank, calling for greater international pressure to halt these violations, and backing the Palestinian Authority in fulfilling its obligations toward its people.

Macron, for his part, “expressed his appreciation for Egypt's key role in achieving regional stability, particularly in the underpinning of the agreement to stop the war in Gaza,” according to the statement.

The two presidents agreed that “current efforts should lead to the launch of a comprehensive political process culminating in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

Regarding Sudan, Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and rejection of any attempts that threaten the country’s security.