Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has asked Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to help evacuate Japanese citizens from Gaza, which borders Egypt.

Speaking with the Egyptian leader by phone on Tuesday, Kishida said he is watching the recent Israel-Palestinian situation with great concern.

Sisi said his country will continue to work together for the safe departure of Japanese nationals from the Palestinian territory.

The two leaders agreed to keep working together on the improvement of the humanitarian situation, evacuations from Gaza and easing tensions.

Earlier in the day, Kishida also held telephone talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

They reaffirmed that they will cooperate in providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza and ensuring safety of Japanese and EU citizens in the territory.

Kishida and von der Leyen also agreed on the need for the leaders of Japan, the EU and the Group of Seven nations to maintain close cooperation and take concerted actions.