CAIRO, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said here Tuesday that his country is seeking to setup a strategic partnership with Egypt at all fronts.

    Lavrov made the remarks at a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Abul Gheit following talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak earlier in the day, the Egyptian MENA news agency reported.

    Lavrov said he delivered a message from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to Mubarak on Russia's desire to upgrade its ties with Egypt to the level of a strategic partnership.

    Russia supports Egypt's efforts to help overcome the crisis in the Palestinian territory of Gaza Strip, heal the rift among Palestinian groups and close Arab ranks, said Lavrov.

    Lavrov said an international conference on the Middle East peace will be held in Moscow "in the first half of this year" in a bid to push forward the Middle East peace process, which is supported by the Cairo-based Arab League and international parties concerned.

    Abul Gheit said Medvedev's message tackled the current developments in the Middle East and expressed Russia's desire to work with Egypt to deal with the regional problems.

    According to Abul Gheit, Medvedev has the plan to visit Egypt in June at the invitation of Mubarak to boost bilateral cooperation.

    Lavrov arrived here Monday in a regional tour which has taken him to Israel and the Palestinian territories. He will also visit Oman and Bahrain.