President El-Sisi Speaks with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni

alhadath – cairo

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi and Prime Minister Meloni discussed the latest developments in the Middle East. The President emphasized the importance of safeguarding regional peace and stability by building upon the recently concluded ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, as well as launching negotiations to resolve outstanding issues. The President also reviewed Egypt’s intensive efforts with various parties aimed at de-escalation and affirmed Egypt’s full support for the security and stability of Arab states, and its categorical rejection and condemnation of any violation of their sovereignty or infringement upon the well-being of their people.

The Italian prime minister expressed her deep appreciation for Egypt’s efforts to underpin the ceasefire and concurred with the President’s remarks regarding the necessity of maintaining stability in the region. She stressed the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation without imposing fees, the necessity of maintaining the security of the Gulf states, in addition to reaching an agreement on the Iranian nuclear program that includes relevant guarantees, and taking all necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of war. She affirmed her country’s interest in strengthening political cooperation and coordination with Egypt to achieve these goals.

The call also focused on the developments in Lebanon. Prime Minister Meloni said Italy looked forward to launching direct negotiations leading to a ceasefire. She noted that Hezbollah had erred in its choices, and that the Israeli response had exceeded the bounds of legitimate self-defense. She emphasized the need for the success of the Islamabad negotiations to reach a final agreement that would end the war in the region.

President El-Sisi and Prime Minister Meloni also reviewed the status of relations between Egypt and Italy and ways to further enhance them across various fields, particularly the sectors of trade and economy, in addition to cooperation in combating illegal migration. The Italian prime minister expressed her appreciation for Egypt’s significant efforts in this regard.