UPDATE - Russian, Egyptian foreign ministers coordinate positions on international platforms

UPDATES FROM EGYPT’S FM, ADDS BAKCGROUND, CHANGES IN DECK, LEDE AND BODY

By Elena Teslova and Mohammad Sio

MOSCOW/ISTANBUL (AA) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed on Tuesday bilateral relations and international issues in a phone call with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the conversation took place at the initiative of Egypt, and the main focus was continuing close foreign policy coordination between the two countries on international platforms.

“In addition, the ministers substantively discussed the bilateral agenda, emphasizing the importance of further joint work in the interests of strengthening trade and economic cooperation between our countries,” the readout said.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry also released a statement, saying Abdelatty stressed the importance of de-escalation and containing rising tensions in the region.

He reviewed Egypt’s efforts to help create conditions conducive to continuing negotiations between the US and Iran, the statement added.

Russia and Egypt also coordinated positions on situation in the Gaza Strip and all related issues, including US-Iran tensions. Media reports claim US intends to strike Iran, with the support of Israel.

The third round of indirect nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, mediated by Oman, is scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, where Iran is expected to present a draft plan on its nuclear program to the American side.

The top Egyptian diplomat underscored the need to push toward “a consensual and peaceful settlement that serves the interests of the parties concerned and addresses issues related to Iran’s nuclear file, in a way that helps spare the region further escalation and instability.”