Egypt’s Al-Sisi, Finland’s Stubb urge Middle East de-escalation, commitment to Gaza ceasefire

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi stressed the need for all parties to commit to implementing the Gaza ceasefire agreement, facilitating humanitarian aid access, and rapidly starting reconstruction during a phone call with Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Tuesday.

Al-Sisi reiterated that there is no path to lasting regional peace without a serious political process leading to an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution and international legitimacy, presidential spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy said in a statement.

Discussing broader developments in the Middle East, the Egyptian leader highlighted Cairo’s intensive efforts, coordinated with regional and international parties, to reduce current tensions. Al-Sisi urged all parties to provide an opportunity for understanding and dialogue to reach a political consensus that ends the crisis and spares the region further instability.

Stubb expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s efforts to facilitate a political solution and lower escalation. The Finnish president agreed with Al-Sisi on the necessity of supporting mediators in paving the way for a political settlement to spare the Middle East and the world the repercussions of regional instability.

The two presidents also reviewed developments in the Ukrainian crisis, affirming the need to work diligently toward a swift and comprehensive political solution.

Additionally, the call covered overall bilateral relations between Egypt and Finland, with both leaders emphasising the importance of continuing to develop and enhance cooperation across various fields.