Egypt, Italian FMs discuss over phone regional issues, bilateral ties

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed over phone with his Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni means of boosting bilateral ties in the various political, economic and investment spheres, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Badr Abdel Aati Saturday.

The two ministers also tackled a host of regional issues of mutual interest, topped by the situation in Libya and the importance of supporting efforts by the UN envoy Bernardino Leon in order to form a national unity government that reflects the will of the Libyan people, added the spokesman.

They also discussed illegal immigration in light of the conditions in Libya and ways of confronting it through unifying international efforts in this respect and in cooperation with the legitimate government in the country.

The spokesman added that the two ministers further discussed the threat of terrorism to peace and stability in the region.

A number of regional files, including the Syrian and Yemeni crises, were also probed during the phone conversation, said the spokesman.

The Italian foreign minister thanked Shoukry for Egypt's efforts to returning an Egyptian child to her Italian mother upon a ruling by the Egyptian judiciary.