Egyptian foreign affairs minister calls for end to Israeli occupation of Palestine Ministers’ discussions addressed several regional and international issues of mutual concern while they also considered ways to boost cooperation between Egypt and Germany CAIRO: Germany’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock has lauded Egypt’s efforts to promote regional stability. Her comments came during talks in Cairo with her Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry which dealt with the situation in the Gaza Strip. Shoukry reiterated Egypt’s stance against any Israeli military operation in Rafah which he said could bring about a humanitarian catastrophe and the threat of a wider conflict. In addition, the ministers’ discussions also addressed several regional and international issues of mutual concern while they also considered ways to boost cooperation between Egypt and Germany. Ahmed Abu Zeid, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, said Shoukry highlighted the need for international pressure to be placed on Israel to allow the free flow of humanitarian aid into the Strip and he also discussed with Baerbock longer-term political efforts to resolve the Palestinian issue based on a two-state solution. The approach, Shoukry noted, should first involve recognition of the Palestinian state and approval for its full membership of the UN. The security situation in the Red Sea was also talked about with Baerbock suggesting that her country joined with Egypt in assessing ways to deal with the ongoing threat to international shipping. Further development of economic and investment links between the two countries were also discussed.