We back Egypt in its war against terrorism: Italian Amb.

CAIRO- 11 February: Italian Ambassador to Egypt Giampaolo Cantini affirmed to Prime Minister Sherif Ismail that his country backs Egypt in its war against terrorism, adding that they are closely following the military operation “Sinai 2018” being carried out by the armed forces.

Cantini said during his meeting with Ismail on Sunday, February 11 that his country considerers the comprehensive operation “Sinai 2018” a strong blow against terrorism in the entire region.

According to official statement, Cantini and Ismail discussed several issues of mutual interest during their meeting, including developing bilateral ties on all levels.
Ismail pointed to several huge projects done between the two countries, including the strong and positive relations such as the Zohr natural gas field inaugurated in January 31.

Ismail also stressed that Egypt is strongly committed to bringing justice to those involved in the murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni.

During the inauguration ceremony of the Zohr natural gas field on January 30, President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi renewed his vow to bring Regeni’s killers to trial.

During a short speech, Sisi thanked Italian company Eni for supervising the project since the beginning, describing the company's chief executive as a “dear friend”.

“It is clear now why some powers tried to spoil our relations using Italian student Giulio Regeni’s case. I promise you all again to bring his killers to trail,” Sisi said during his speech in Port Said City.

Sisi offered condolences to Regeni's family again, affirming that Egypt and Italy enjoy very good and stable relations.

On January 25, 2016, the 28-year-old Italian scholar Regeni disappeared in Cairo, only for his dead body to be found on February 3 alongside the Cairo-Alexandria highway. The murder led to strained ties between Italy and Egypt.

A joint investigation between the Egyptian and Italian governments began since then.
“Regeni’s case is still ongoing, and, as President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi said before, we are willing to continue the investigations until the end, as both Italian and Egyptian attorney generals and officials are cooperating transparently to reach the truth. However, we need to understand that not everyone wants Egyptian-Italian relations to continue and develop,” Egyptian Ambassador to Italy Hesham Badr said in an interview on October 6, 2017 to Sada al-Bald.