Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called his US counterpart John Kerry on Friday evening, as both discussed regional updates and the results of the UK referendum to exit the European Union. "The telephone call between the two ministers focused on the development of bilateral relations between both countries, updates regarding the peace process between Israel and Palestine, in addition to developments in Libya and Syria", Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said in a statement. The top diplomats Shoukry and Kerry discussed the results of the UK referendum over its membership in EU and the potential consequences of its exit. "Both sides agreed on continuing bilateral consultations and communications to follow up on upcoming developments," the statement read. Earlier this month, Egypt participated in a French-led conference aimed at bringing Palestinians and Israelis back to the negotiation table. The initiative failed as the Israelis refused to participate, saying that direct negotiations are the best solution. The peace process had not faced such ignorance and neglect since the Oslo agreement in 1993, Shoukry said at the conference, which was held in Paris. Shoukry emphasised the necessity of cooperation between Russia, the US, and the EU, in order to push the peace process towards a solution. Egypt is ready to revive the Arab peace initiative to establish a Palestinian state, he added.
