Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed the war in Ukraine, rising tensions in the Middle East and the need for stronger regional diplomacy during a telephone conversation, according to a statement issued by Russia’s Foreign Ministry.
The call took place as political and military tensions continued to increase across several regions. The two ministers reviewed developments related to the Ukrainian crisis, including what Moscow described as a sharp deterioration in security conditions around the Black Sea.
During the conversation, Lavrov briefed his Egyptian counterpart on what Russia considers the latest developments in the conflict. The Russian statement accused the Ukrainian authorities of carrying out attacks that endangered civilian vessels and energy infrastructure in the Black Sea area.
Moscow said the alleged attacks had contributed to a worsening security situation and created additional risks for maritime activity and critical infrastructure. The Russian account characterized the actions as deliberate attacks against civilian targets, while framing the developments as part of a broader escalation connected to the conflict in Ukraine.
The discussion also focused on the Middle East and the Gulf, where the two foreign ministers exchanged views on the latest regional developments. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov and Abdelatty expressed concern about the unprecedented military and political escalation in the Gulf.
The statement attributed the escalation to what it described as US and Israeli aggression against Iran. It said the two sides had emphasized the need for collective political and diplomatic action to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
Moscow and Cairo agreed on the importance of intensifying efforts aimed at reducing tensions and establishing conditions for long-term regional stability. Their position reflects a broader emphasis on diplomatic engagement at a time when military confrontations and political disputes have increased the risk of a wider regional crisis.
The ministers also discussed the need to create reliable foundations for security in the Gulf and the wider Middle East. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that lasting stability would require coordinated international efforts rather than isolated initiatives by individual countries.
The conversation formed part of ongoing contact between Moscow and Cairo on international and regional issues. Russia and Egypt have maintained diplomatic coordination on a range of matters, including the conflicts in the Middle East, developments in Africa and economic relations.
Palestinian issue remains central
The two ministers reaffirmed their shared position on the Palestinian issue. They stressed that the conflict should be resolved in accordance with United Nations resolutions, underscoring the importance of an internationally recognized political framework.
Russia and Egypt have repeatedly supported efforts aimed at securing a political settlement for the Palestinians. Both countries have called for adherence to international law and relevant United Nations decisions as the basis for addressing the conflict.
The ministers’ reaffirmation of this position came amid continuing regional instability and concerns over the wider consequences of conflicts in the Middle East. They emphasized that the Palestinian issue remains closely linked to regional security and cannot be separated from broader efforts to reduce tensions.
Their discussion also highlighted the importance of preventing further escalation and supporting diplomatic channels. Cairo and Moscow have previously advocated negotiations and international coordination as tools for addressing disputes that threaten regional peace.
Economic cooperation
In addition to political and security matters, Lavrov and Abdelatty discussed bilateral economic relations. The two foreign ministers stressed the importance of maintaining close coordination to expand trade and strengthen economic cooperation between Russia and Egypt.
The statement did not provide details about specific projects or trade agreements discussed during the call. However, both governments have sought to deepen their commercial relationship in recent years through cooperation in areas such as energy, agriculture, tourism, transport and infrastructure.
The two sides’ economic relationship has continued to develop alongside their political contacts. Strengthening trade ties is viewed by both countries as a way to support broader bilateral relations and increase cooperation despite the difficult international environment.
The telephone conversation ended with an emphasis on continued coordination between the Russian and Egyptian foreign ministries. Both sides agreed on the need to remain in close contact as developments unfold in Ukraine, the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
The call demonstrated the two countries’ shared interest in using diplomatic engagement to manage regional crises. It also reaffirmed their support for international mechanisms, collective action and a political solution to the Palestinian issue. As tensions remain elevated, Moscow and Cairo are expected to continue consultations on ways to limit escalation and promote greater regional security.
