NNA - On Sunday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the Egyptian-European summit as a “historic meeting,” according to the Italian “Nova” news agency.

Meloni said: “This is a historic meeting between Egypt and the European Union, and I am proud of the role that Italy played in achieving this goal,” pointing out that “the global and strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union is part of the current context in which we find ourselves facing many crises that could destabilize the Mediterranean region to an unimaginable level."

She referred to common challenges that must be faced together for food, water and energy security, development and migration, adding, "This initiative shows our desire to strengthen and encourage a new structural method of cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean."

Meloni also stressed, "The situation in the Gaza Strip is at the top of our concerns. We need to reach a ceasefire, humanitarian corridors, and the release of hostages. Difficult times require courageous choices. Italy supports the efforts of Egypt and other countries and guarantees health care from the beginning."

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Meloni on the sidelines of the Egyptian-European summit.

According to a statement issued by the Egyptian Presidency through its official spokesman, Ahmed Fahmy, “The two parties praised the momentum of bilateral relations in the recent period, and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various fields.”

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