Egypt, Saudi Arabia call for dialogue, diplomacy to prevent regional escalation

CAIRO, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, on Thursday stressed the need to prioritize dialogue and allow more time for diplomatic and political efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.

During a phone call, the two ministers also called on all parties concerned to negotiate and demonstrate the necessary flexibility to avoid the risks of renewed military confrontations, whose negative repercussions continue to affect the region, according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

The two sides also reviewed joint efforts, in coordination with regional and international partners, including the United States and Qatar, to restore calm and prevent further escalation in the region, the statement said.

They agreed to maintain coordination and consultations and intensify contacts with relevant parties in the coming period to build consensus on prioritizing negotiations and avoiding escalatory steps.

The call came amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran, with Washington warning of possible further military action against Tehran, while Iran has signaled readiness to resume negotiations and reopen the Strait of Hormuz if its demands are met.