ISTANBUL

Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelaty discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East during a phone call Saturday, stressing the need for de-escalation and resolving disputes through diplomacy and international law.

In a statement, the Kazakh diplomatic mission said Abdelaty reaffirmed that Egypt remains a safe destination for foreign tourists, adding that authorities are taking all necessary measures to ensure their safety.

The ministers also reviewed bilateral cooperation and prospects for further development, expressing interest in expanding trade, economic, investment, as well as cultural and humanitarian ties, the statement said.

Kosherbayev and Abdelaty also agreed to intensify exchanges of visits at the highest and senior levels and to continue regular dialogue between the foreign ministries of the two countries.

The discussion came as regional tensions remain high following continuing attacks by Israel and the US on Iran that began last Saturday.

Iranian authorities say the strikes killed more than 1,000 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior military officials.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.