Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke by phone on Wednesday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, congratulating him over his re-election last month to a third term as the leader of the Mideast’s most populous nation.

According to the Greek side, Mitsotakis also reiterated his heightened concerns over the conflict in Gaza and the now tense situation along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Beyond regional developments, both men discussed efforts to further boost Greek-Egyptian relations, which in recent years have been elevated to the strategic level. EU-Egypt relations were also discussed, with Athens a firm supporter of greater cooperation of such relations. Sources in the Greek capital again stressed that Egypt is a pillar of stability in the wider region.

The Greek PM cited concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, noting that Athens supports Cairo’s efforts for the secure and timely shipment of relief aid to civilians.

Additionally, he again lauded Egypt’s stance towards resolving the latest Middle East crisis.