CAIRO, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Sunday discussed U.S.-Iran negotiations and regional de-escalation efforts in separate phone calls with his Iranian and Qatari counterparts, according to Egypt's Foreign Ministry.
Abdelatty stressed the importance of adhering to the negotiatory path and intensifying consultation and coordination among relevant parties to secure a sustainable ceasefire and stabilize the region.
He asserted that dialogue remains the primary guarantee to shield the region from the risks of expanding conflict.
Abdelatty also called for "absolute respect for the sovereignty of states" and due attention to the security concerns of regional countries, particularly those in the Gulf.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining the security and freedom of international navigation.
The talks follow weeks of heightened tensions after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets beginning on Feb. 28. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli and U.S. positions in the region.
A ceasefire took effect on April 8, followed by talks in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on April 11 and 12 that ended without agreement. A new round of negotiations had been expected in Pakistan this week, but Iran declined to attend, citing continued U.S. naval pressure and "excessive demands." ■
