Egypt is responsible for securing all diplomatic missions against “terrorism” that target civilians and destabilize the state, said Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry Monday in a press conference with his Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni.
The conference was held two days after a car bomb blast targeted the Italian consulate in downtown Cairo; a street vendor was killed and ten civilians were injured. No Italian nationals were among the victims. The Islamic State affiliate in Sinai has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Egypt needs the support of International efforts against “terrorism in this critical period,” shoukry added.
Gentiloni said his country is convinced that “terrorism” should be combated militarily, as one of the way, but is also convinced it is a “cultural and religious war.” He emphasized that Cairo and Rome are working together to “iron out terrorism.”
The Italian foreign minister added that his one-day visit to Egypt aims to provide support to the Italian diplomatic staff and cooperate with Egypt against “terrorism.”
Responding to a question on Italy’s stance towards the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, Gentiloni said his country has no right to interfere in Egyptian domestic affairs.
Following the conference, held in the headquarters of Cairo-based Foreign Ministry, President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi will meet with Gentiloni , discussing bilateral relations and “counter-terrorism efforts.”
Concurrently, the Egyptian-Italian Business Council, condemned Monday the attack of the Italian consulate.
“We also assure that the Egyptian members of the Council will continue to support all Italian companies operating in Egypt in the pursuit of success by ensuring strong and stable foundation for further Italian investments in Egypt,” the council said.
