ISTANBUL

Egypt and Russia on Friday stressed the necessity for reaching an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and Lebanon.

According to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the three-day Sir Bani Yas Forum in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The event will conclude on Sunday.

"Both ministers agreed on the necessity for the immediate cease-fire (in Gaza and Lebanon), and the unconditional flow of humanitarian aid," the statement said.

It added that they also discussed a number of issues on the international and regional levels, without further explanation.

Israel continues to strike both Gaza and Lebanon, despite international calls and efforts for a cease-fire.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar