Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdelatty has continued intensive contacts over the past two days with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff as part of efforts to reduce escalation and contain rising tensions in the region.According to State Information Service Egypt, the talks, which align with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's directives, also addressed developments regarding the planned meeting between the US and Iran in Oman. Abdelatty welcomed the initial agreement to hold the meeting, calling it a development Egypt has long aimed for through sustained diplomatic efforts and a series of intensive contacts over recent weeks, in accordance with the president's directives.Abdelatty stressed the paramount importance of reaching a peaceful and consensual settlement bet ween the US and Iran that addresses everyone's concerns based on mutual respect and shared interests, helping to prevent war in the region. He underscored the importance of overcoming differences at this critical stage to safeguard regional security and serve the aspirations of the region's peoples for realizing stability and development.The top Egyptian diplomat expressed hope that the meeting would lead to a reduction in regional tensions and escalation, while promoting diplomatic and political solutions in line with the president's vision that there are no military solutions to the region's crises and challenges, and that lasting security and stability can only be achieved through political and diplomatic means, while avoiding a slide into insecurity and instability.Meanwhile, Abdelatty affirmed that Egypt will maintain intensive contacts and sincere efforts with regional partners and with the American and Iranian sides, in order to promote diplomatic and political solutions.