(Reuters) -Rwanda-backed M23 rebels pressed deeper into Congolese territory a day after Congo and Rwanda's presidents called for an immediate ceasefire, entering the outskirts of the town of Walikale late on Wednesday,

Rwanda has denied supporting M23. It says its military has been acting in self defence against Congo’s army and a militia founded by some of the perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Rebels known as M23, allegedly supported by Rwanda, have advanced into the outskirts of Walikale, a mineral-rich town in east Congo. This move comes after a meeting between the presidents of Rwanda and Congo in Qatar,

The presidents of Congo and Rwanda have met in Qatar for their first direct talks since Rwandan-backed M23 rebels seized two major cities in mineral-rich eastern Congo earlier this year.

In a surprise announcement from Qatar Tuesday the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda jointly called for a cease-fire in an effort to end warfare between them after 30 years of fighting.

It is the first time two leaders have met since Rwanda-backed M23 rebels stepped up an offensive in the region, where authorities say 7,000 people have been killed since January. It is unclear whether the M23 would heed the ceasefire call,