CAIRO, April 24 (MENA) - President Abdel Fattah El Sisi praised on Thursday the close relations binding Egypt with Italy.

Sisi made the remarks during a meeting with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign and International Cooperation Minister Antonio Tajani in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty.

Presidential Spokesman Mohamed el Shennawi said Tajani conveyed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's regards to President Sisi and her keenness on boosting bilateral relations.

The meeting tackled enhancing bilateral relations, especially in the economic, trade and investment domains, developing partnerships in the energy, food security, agriculture and livestock fields and enhancing cooperation over illegal migration in light of Egypt's success to block the departure of any vessel carrying illegal migrants since 2016 despite being a host to 9.5 million foreigners who took refuge in it after fleeing wars and conflicts in their countries.

The two sides discussed the developments in the Gaza Strip with Egypt expounding efforts to restore the ceasefire, set free captives and detainees and let in humanitarian aid.

The meeting highlighted Egypt's rejection of attempts to displace Palestinians from their land and the importance of recognizing the Palestinian State as the only guarantee to lasting peace and stability in the region.

The Italian official expressed appreciation for mediation efforts led by Egypt to cease fire in the Gaza Strip, saying his country supports Egypt's early recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza, a plan that has earned the support of Arab countries and the whole Islamic world.

The meeting addressed developments in Syria, Libya and Sudan, navigation safety in Bab el-Mandeb Strait and ongoing negotiations between Iran and the US on the nuclear file.

Egypt reiterated keenness on the stability of all countries and the importance of settling differences by peaceful ways. (MENA)
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