DUBAI. Oct 16 (Interfax) - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone on Monday to discuss measures to contain the conflict in the Middle East, and the two leaders noted the importance of reaching a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
"The two presidents discussed developments in the regional situation and the latest in the escalation in the Gaza Strip. President El-Sisi and President Putin reviewed diplomatic efforts underway to contain the situation and prevent the expansion of the violence and conflict," the Egyptian president's office said in a statement.
The two leaders also called for providing immediate access to humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip residents.
El-Sisi and Putin also agreed that reaching a ceasefire and restoring security in the region, as well as addressing causes of the crisis, should be prioritized.