Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed tensions in the Middle East and developments in the Russia-Ukraine war during a phone call on Friday.
Egyptian Presidency spokesperson Mohamed El-Shenawy said Sisi told Zelenskyy that tensions in the region should be reduced through peaceful means to preserve peace and stability. The two leaders also discussed Egypt’s efforts to ease regional tensions.
Sisi calls for an end to tensions
Sisi said regional and international efforts should be brought together to end the current tensions. He warned of their negative consequences for security, stability and international trade.
Zelenskyy stressed the importance of reducing the current tensions.

Emphasis on a political solution to the Russia-Ukraine war
Zelenskyy briefed Sisi on developments in the Russia-Ukraine war and expressed appreciation for Egypt’s approach to ending the conflict.
Sisi said Egypt supported resolving the war through political means. He said Egypt was ready to contribute to efforts to resolve the crisis politically as soon as possible.
Egypt and Ukraine seek to expand trade
The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations in various areas. They particularly focused on developing cooperation in trade and the economic sectors.
The sides agreed to continue efforts to increase trade between the two countries and to explore cooperation opportunities in various promising sectors.
Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitaliy Koval said in a statement on Feb. 3, 2025, that they viewed Egypt as a transit point for Ukraine’s exports to Africa.