CAIRO, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Egypt and Saudi Arabia called on all parties involved in regional tensions to exercise restraint, prioritize dialogue and negotiations, and avoid steps that could trigger further escalation, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.
During a phone call on Friday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, reviewed joint efforts to prevent escalation and urged all parties to respond positively to mediators' efforts to defuse tensions and reach understandings, said the ministry.
They stressed the importance of avoiding military confrontations that could undermine regional security and stability and push the crisis back to square one, it added.
The ministers agreed to continue coordination and consultations with relevant parties to promote peace, uphold international law and pursue a serious political approach to address the crisis at its roots and prevent its negative repercussions across the region and internationally.
According to the ministry, the Friday conversation is part of ongoing consultations between the two countries on regional developments. The two ministers also held a phone call on Thursday, stressing the need to prioritize dialogue and allow more time for diplomatic and political efforts.
The calls came amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran, with Washington warning of possible further military action against Tehran, while Iran has signaled readiness to resume negotiations and reopen the Strait of Hormuz if its demands are met. ■
