President El-Sisi Receives Italian Minister of Defense

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Italian Minister of Defense, Mr. Guido Crosetto, in the presence of Minister of Defense, General Mohamed Zaki, Italian Chief of Defense, Admiral Giuseppe Dragoni, and Italian Ambassador to Cairo, Michele Quaroni.

The Spokesman for the Presidency stated that the meeting underscored the mutual keenness to continue to strengthen the historical and close ties between the two countries and to advance bilateral cooperation at various levels during the coming period, particularly in the military and security fields. The Italian Minister of Defense commended Egypt's essential role in maintaining stability in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The meeting also discussed the phenomenon of illegal immigration. It was emphasized that joint efforts should be made to advance mechanisms for addressing cross-border challenges. In this regard, the Italian side praised Egypt's efforts.

The meeting discussed ways of strengthening military cooperation. It was agreed to further develop existing cooperation. In regards to the developments in regional issues, particularly Libya and Sudan, there was consensus on the importance of advancing political solutions to the crises in the region so as to preserve the unity and territorial integrity of States. This is to restore security and stability and to move toward development and prosperity.