Minister Crosetto on an official visit to Egypt

Immagini messe a disposizione con licenza
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 DEED

During his official visit to Egypt, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto met with the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.

"Today's meeting with the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, was a valuable opportunity to strengthen the collaborative relationship between our two countries, which are steeped in millennia-old traditions and united by the goal of ensuring security in both the Middle East and the wider Mediterranean region.
We have consolidated a shared vision on the extremely delicate situation in the Middle East and on every other area of international crisis. And we emphasised our willingness to work in close synergy to promote regional stability.
I gave the full support of the Italian Defence Ministry and our country for any initiative that could lead to a truce and peace in the Gaza Strip. Egypt plays a crucial role both in this area and, more generally, in ensuring the delicate balance of the entire area. This concrete commitment has enabled the international community – and Italy in particular – to carry out important humanitarian activities in aid of the Palestinian population. In this context, Defence ships and aircraft have been able to count on Egypt's indispensable support for the transport of aid to Gaza and for other important humanitarian initiatives, such as the transfer of numerous children to Italian hospitals to receive the necessary treatment.
This dialogue is part of a broader process of de-escalation aimed at facilitating dialogue and supporting peace.
This is a new impetus on our part to tackle regional challenges together, combat illegal trafficking and promote sustainable development," said Minister Crosetto.

During the institutional mission, the Minister also had a bilateral meeting with his Egyptian counterpart, General Abdel Magid Ahmed Abdel Magid Sakr.

"Today I had a constructive meeting with my colleague, the Egyptian Minister of Defence, Gen. Abdel Magid Ahmed Abdel Magid Sakr. I expressed my satisfaction and that of the entire Defence Ministry for the effective cooperation between our two countries, united by a concrete desire to strengthen synergies to support Egypt, which is currently playing an important role in security and de-escalation in the Middle East. 
Italy is ready to explore new opportunities for collaboration with the aim of contributing to regional security and stability.
We shared an analysis of the main areas of crisis, with particular attention to the situation in Gaza. Stability in the Middle East is of strategic importance to Italy because it directly affects the security of the entire wider Mediterranean. Meanwhile, Italy's commitment to promoting the conditions for stable peace in the region continues," said the Minister.

During his visit, Minister Crosetto paid tribute to the Italian Military Memorial in El Alamein.

"With a heart full of respect, I bow before those who sacrificed the most precious gift in the name of their country. This sacred place, an eternal symbol of sacrifice and memory, a witness to history and unforgettable battles, reminds us of the importance of peace and the duty not to forget. May every step taken here carry with it the power of a living memory, capable of inspiring future generations. Honour to those who gave everything for our tomorrow, honour to those who “lacked luck, not valour”. Thus spoke the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto.