Egyptian, Italian armies’ chiefs of staff discuss means of enhancing cooperation

CAIRO – 18 May 2023: Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces Osama Askar and Chief of the Defense Staff of the Italian Armed Forces Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone have discussed means of enhancing cooperation horizons.

In a meeting in Egypt, Askar and Dragone held discussions on means of enhancing coordination and backing efforts made to achieve the joint interests of both countries, the Egyptian Armed Forces’ spokesman said in a statement on Thursday.

Italy’s Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto and the Defense Staff of the Italian Armed Forces have been in an official visit to Egypt, where they held meetings with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Minister of Defense Mohamed Zaki.

 

In his meeting with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Wednesday, Crosetto affirmed mutual keenness to advance the bilateral cooperation frameworks between the two countries during the coming period, especially in the military and security fields, the Egyptian Presidency’s spokesman said in a statement.

Crosetto praised Egypt’s essential role in preserving stability in the Middle East and the Mediterranean regions.

Sisi and Crosetto also discussed the illegal immigration phenomenon and affirmed the necessity for concerted efforts to advance the mechanisms of confronting transnational challenges.

The two sides also agreed on continuing developing the ongoing military cooperation between Egypt and Italy and expressed keenness on enhancing the historic and firm relations between the two countries.

They also discussed a number of regional issues, especially Libya and Sudan, and have agreed on the importance of advancing political solutions to the crisis facing the region.

This comes within the framework of preserving the unity and integrity of the nations and fulfilling the aspirations of people toward security and stability, the spokesman said.

In a separate meeting with the Egyptian defense minister yesterday, Crosetto said his country is keen to enhance the horizons of military cooperation with Egypt during the coming period.

Crosetto extended deep appreciation for the efforts of the Egyptian Armed Forces in all fields.

For his part, Zaki voiced appreciation for the extended historic relations between Egypt and Italy in various fields and their ongoing coordination.

The Egyptian defense minister also affirmed the consensus of the two countries’ visions on supporting security and stability in the region.

The meeting discussed regional and international issues as well as issues of mutual concern between Egypt and Italy in light of the military cooperation and trade exchange between their armed forces.