CAIRO, December 4, 2017 (WAFA) – Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed with his US counterpart Rex Tillerson the regional developments about media reports that United States intention to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Over a phone call, Shoukry discussed the complications of the US decision and its possible negative effects on the US efforts to resume the peace process, Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zaid said in a statement on Monday,

The minister also noted that the legal, religious and historical status of Jerusalem require careful consideration in dealing with this sensitive issue that is related to the national identity of the Palestinian people throughout the ages and the status of Jerusalem among the Arab and Islamic peoples, the spokesman said.

Abu Zaid added that Shoukry expressed Egypt‘s aspiration to deal with the matter with the necessary wisdom and to avoid making decisions that would fuel the feelings of tension in the region.

He stressed that Egypt will always be an effective partner in building confidence and encouraging the Palestinian and Israeli sides to resume negotiations with a view to achieve a just and comprehensive peace.

A.D./M.K.