Egypt’s FM reiterates cooperation with Rome on Regeni’s case

CAIRO – 6 December 2018: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that Egypt has cooperated with the Italian side in investigating the murder of an Italian citizen inside the Egyptian territory in 2016 in an unprecedented way.

Giulio Regeni, a 28-year old doctoral researcher, disappeared early in 2016 in the Egyptian capital; he was found dead in February of the same year, with his body bearing signs of torture.

During his speech in the conference of Canada Egypt Business Council (CEBC) on Dec. 5, Shoukry said that the Egyptian state has been keen to facilitate the work of the Italian side in terms of investigations on Regeni’s murder.

Shoukry also affirmed that the Egyptian authorities will continue investigating the case to unfold the truth, pointing out to the strong and deep relations between the two countries.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Matteo Salvini affirmed earlier his keenness to maintain ties with Egypt, amid recent strains during investigations on Regeni’s murder.

"We have been waiting for three years. I want to maintain good relations with Egypt and I will do everything to have good economic, cultural, commercial and social relations with a friendly country," Salvini stated, according to Radio Colonna on Tuesday.

Italy’s Chamber of Deputies decided on Dec. 29 to halt all diplomatic relations with Egypt’s Parliament until there is a breakthrough and trial in Regeni’s case.

Immediately following the Italian unilateral decision, Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel Aal expressed dissatisfaction with the Italian Parliament’s move, saying that a unilateral decision won’t help with the results of the investigations.