Egypt plays essential role in regional security - Italian FM

06/12/2014   |   12:40 AM | Arab News

ROME, Dec 5 (KUNA) -- Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni told reporters Friday Egypt under the leadership of President Abdelfatah Al-Sisi, plays an essential role in the security of the Middle East and the south Mediterranean region. Rome understands the intolerable conditions that led to the popular movement in Egypt on June 30, 2013, he said during his meeting with a group of foreign reporters one week after Al-Sisi's visit to Italy. "What happened at that time was not a military coup as some people try depict; it was a popular reaction to a situation which became intolerable," he pointed out. Gentiloni affirmed that his country is keen on maintaining "the excellent and very positive" relationship with Egypt. "We appreciate the crucial role of the current Egypt, under President Al-Sisi in the security of the region," he said, referring to the conflicts in Libya and Syria as well as the combat against terrorism. He added that he discussed the Syrian crisis with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. He lauded the new positive stance of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal on this crisis and the efforts of the UN Secretary-General's special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura. (end) mn.gb SOURCE  http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2412621&Language=en and   http://www.egyptdailynews.com/