According to the statement, Lavrov and Aty raised the need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a de-escalation of the situation in the region.

During the conversation, the diplomats remarked on the firm will of Russia and Egypt to coordinate their actions across the list of matters related to the Middle East.

Lavrov stated that the ministers agreed to keep active contacts on current matters in the bilateral and international agenda.

The talks took place on Egypt’s initiative.

The situation in the Middle East has deteriorated in the last few days after the assassinations of Ismail Haniya, leader of the Politburo of the Palestinian radical movement Hamas, in Teheran, and of Fuad Shukr, one of the commanders of the military wing of the Shiite movement Hezbollah, in Beirut.

Hamas and Hezbollah accused Israel of those actions and said they will not go unpunished.

jrr/llp/jf/gfa