Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed the necessity of full commitment of parties to the Sharm el Sheikh agreement that aims at halting the war in the Gaza Strip. Respecting the agreement represents a key step toward establishing a lasting ceasefire, ending the war, as well as alleviating the humanitarian suffering in the strip, Abdelatty said.

According to State Information Service Egypt, he made the remarks during two separate phone calls with French Foreign Minister Jean-No«l Barrot and Danish Foreign Minister Lars L¸kke Rasmussen. The phone calls fall within the framework of constant follow up of the rapidly evolving situation in Gaza as well as efforts meant to support peace and stability in the region.

The top Egyptian diplomat emphasized the importance of complete and unhindered access of humanitarian and relief aid into Gaza. The talks addressed underway preparations for the hosting of the International Conference on Early Recovery, Reconstruction and Development in Gaza by Egypt in November.

Abdelatty called for swift implementation of early recovery and reconstruction plans in Gaza, under a comprehensive vision that safeguards the rights of the Palestinian people and in line with the Arab-Islamic plan for recovery and reconstruction and the US peace plan for the Middle East. He called on European countries to actively participate in the upcoming conference.

Meanwhile, the French and Danish foreign ministers expressed full support for Egypt's ongoing efforts to stabilize the region. They said that they are looking forward to maintaining coordination with Egypt as regards files of Gaza's recovery and reconstruction.