German president thanks Egypt for mediating role in Gaza conflict

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier thanked Egypt for its role as mediator in the Gaza war during his visit to the country on Wednesday.

In a joint statement with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, Steinmeier also called for further efforts to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The statement expressed concern that the conflict continues to risk spreading into a broader regional conflagration.

"Every actor who has influence on both sides must use this influence," said Steinmeier.

Steinmeier said Germany is doing what it can, "and I know that Egypt is also playing a particularly important role here, a role that we in Germany greatly appreciate."

Al-Sisi in turn called on Europe to play its role in the conflict and exert pressure on Israel to achieve a ceasefire.

Steinmeier and Al-Sisi also referred to the close bilateral relations between Germany and Egypt. Al-Sisi expressed his desire to expand cooperation, for example in the economic sector.

"We welcome German companies," he said, and assured potential business partners that their investments in Egypt would be protected.