Cairo: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the importance of preserving the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites during a phone call with Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, the newly appointed Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty and Ould Cheikh Ahmed, who assumed the OIC post after member states approved his appointment on Thursday, discussed regional developments, with the Palestinian issue topping the agenda. The two officials underscored the need to protect Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem and preserve the city's identity, while rejecting measures that could undermine its religious and historical status or alter its character.

Abdelatty also stressed the need to confront what Egypt described as ongoing and systematic Israeli violations in Jerusalem, according to Egypt's foreign ministry. The Foreign Minister congratulated Ould Cheikh Ahmed on his appointment and voiced Egypt's readiness to support efforts to reform the OIC, strengthen its role and develop its mechanisms.

Additionally, Abdelatty said Egypt is prepared to contribute its expertise and capabilities to strengthening the organization's role and joint Islamic action in addressing common challenges, according to the Ministry. Ould Cheikh Ahmed, for his part, expressed appreciation for Egypt's support for his candidacy and said he is keen to maintain coordination and consultation with Cairo, citing its experience and role in supporting issues affecting the Islamic world.

The two officials also discussed efforts to promote security, stability, and development in Islamic countries and meet the aspirations of their peoples.