In a statement by the foreign ministry, Egypt urged all Syrian parties “to unify objectives and priorities and initiate a comprehensive and inclusive political process that lays the groundwork for a new phase of consensus and internal peace”.

It said Egypt is committed to working with regional and international partners to help the Syrian people, facilitate reconstruction efforts and support the safe return of refugees to their homeland.

Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied factions began a lightning offensive on Nov 27, seizing swathes of the country from government hands and entering the Damascus early on Sunday.

The Egyptian foreign ministry, in the statement, said that it affirms “its stand alongside the Syrian state and people and supports them in preserving Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity”.

On Thursday, when rebel forces were still advancing towards the capital Damascus, Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty expressed concern over the developments in Syria in a phone call with Syrian foreign minister Bassem Sabbagh.

He affirmed “Egypt’s position in support of the Syrian state and its national institutions”.