Visiting German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Saturday that a recent resolution of the UN Security Council (UNSC) is "a right step towards a cease-fire" in Gaza Strip.

Steinmeier made the remarks following talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, during which the two sides discussed the ongoing international and Egyptian efforts help reach a cease-fire in Gaza.

Steinmeier stressed the importance to implement the UNSC resolution, saying "We should work hard to provide necessary conditions for the implementation of the resolution."

The German top diplomat called on parties concerned, including the European and international partners, to work together for providing proper climate for a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave.

According to the Egyptian MENA news agency, Steinmeier also had talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is currently in Cairo for talks with Mubarak.

Steinmeier said he also met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit and Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa on the latest developments in the Middle East.

On Thursday, UNSC, after days of diplomatic wrestling, adopted resolution 1860 calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza "leading to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces."

Egypt has also been exerting efforts to help reach a ceasefire in Gaza, where some 815 Palestinians have been killed and more than 3,300 injured since the beginning of the Israeli offensive on December 27, 2008.

(Xinhua News Agency January 11, 2009)