President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi stressed the importance that Egypt attaches to the development of relations with Italy during the next phase, as well as to strengthen the bilateral coordination and consultation between the two countries to address many regional challenges in the Mediterranean region.
This came during President Al-Sisi’s reception on Sunday, Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, in the presence of Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Michele Quaroni, Italian Ambassador to Cairo.
The spokesperson of the presidency of the Republic, Ambassador Bassam Radi, said that the president stressed the importance that Egypt attaches to the development of these relations in various dimensions during the next phase, as well as strengthening the coordination and bilateral consultation between the two countries to address many regional challenges in the Mediterranean region.
For his part, the Italian Foreign Minister pointed out that this visit represents a clear message on the strength of the historical relations between the two countries, and affirming the desire of the Italian government to consolidate and advance these relations during the next stage.
He stressed the continuation of coordination on regional issues of common interest, especially in light of the pivotal role played by Egypt as a cornerstone of security and stability in the Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean region.
The Italian minister appreciated what Egypt is doing under the leadership of President AL-Sisi in spreading the principles of tolerance and freedom of belief, a culture that has reverberated to the regional environment of Egypt.
The two sides also discussed means of cooperation in the field of energy security, especially in the field of natural gas through the strategic partnership between Egypt and the Italian company ENI,
They also discussed a number of regional issues of common interest, especially the issue of illegal immigration, in light of Egypt’s effective efforts in this framework, as well as efforts to combat terrorism and extremist ideology,
Later on Sunday Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry stressed the existence of a common political will between Cairo and Rome to strengthen cooperation relations between the two countries, pointing to the bonds of cooperation between the Egyptian and Italian peoples.
At a joint press conference in Cairo with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani, Shoukry said that the bilateral consultations touched on bilateral relations, the Palestinian issue, the situation in Libya and developments in the eastern Mediterranean region.
He stressed that the consultations touched upon strengthening communication and cooperation in several areas and ways to combat and eliminate terrorism and the issue of illegal migration.
Minister Shoukry pointed out that Egypt is looking forward to working with Italy as an important European partner, explaining that the Egyptian state has a desire to strengthen cooperation with the Italian side during the coming period, pointing to the anniversary of the centenary of the appointment of the first Egyptian ambassador to Rome.
Shoukry also stressed Egypt’s full support for the rights of the Palestinian people within the framework of the decisions of international legitimacy to resolve the conflict on the basis of the principle of the two-state solution.
He reaffirmed that Egypt continues to communicate between the parties to strengthen peace and security and the need to establish an independent Palestinian state on the borders of the Fourth of June 1967.
Minister Shoukry stressed the importance of resolving the Palestinian issue by establishing a state for the Palestinians, pointing to the close coordination between Egypt, Jordan and Palestine to discuss ways to activate the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis.
Shoukry explained that the joint talks touched on economic cooperation relations, where the trade exchange reached about 5 billion pounds, pointing to Egypt’s aspiration for more Italian investments and more cooperation, in the framework of the common interest of both sides.
He said that it was agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of energy and investment through an Italian forum to be held in Cairo and activate the role of the Egyptian-Italian Business Council during the coming period, pointing out that Egypt is qualified to be a partner of Italy in the eastern Mediterranean region.
For his part, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stressed that his country is seeking to combat illegal migration.
He revealed Italy’s desire to establish an Energy Center in Europe based on cooperation with Mediterranean countries in this framework, explaining that Italy has a role in the Mediterranean and is ready to find solutions, contribute to growth, solve problems and support the work of Italian oil companies.
The Italian Foreign Minister also stressed the need to work jointly between Cairo and Rome to face the great challenges, especially in the eastern Mediterranean region, as well as the need to find a solution to the Libyan crisis and the importance of reaching an agreement between the parties to hold elections in the country.
He said that Egypt is a very important country for cooperation and exchange of views until a solution is reached to the issue of Libya and the illegal migration crisis.
Minister Tajani pointed out at the press conference that his country welcomes the transfer of migrants legally from Egypt, and his country’s readiness to train them at the university level.
He explained that his country is ready to organize an economic forum to discuss ways of cooperation between Cairo and Rome, noting that the talks touched on the complex situation in Ukraine and touched on the issue of food security.”
On the situation in the Middle East and the Mediterranean region, the Italian Foreign Minister stressed the need for cooperation to reach a solution to crises and conflicts, pointing to his country’s support for the principle of the two-state solution and peaceful coexistence between Palestinians and Israelis.
The Italian Minister expressed his country’s aspiration to consult with Egypt in the energy sector, stressing the need for further consultations on the energy issue because it is an issue of concern to Europe, explaining that his country plays an important role in solving the energy problem and seeks to conclude cooperation agreements with energy exporting countries, including Egypt.
