Italian president stresses support for Egypt in terror fight

Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Saturday stressed his country's support for Egypt in its fight against terrorism.

In a press release, Mattarella called on the European Union and the international community to adopt an effective and timely policy to uproot terrorism worldwide.

The terror attack that targeted the Italian consulate in Cairo affirms the gravity of terrorism, the Italian leader said, pointing out that terror should be collectively combated by the whole world.

Mattarella expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished speedy recovery for the injured people.

Earlier in the day, a car bomb went off near the Italian consulate in downtown Cairo, killing one person and injuring nine others.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the early morning blast, which caused heavy damage to the consulate. It shook other buildings downtown and could be heard in several surrounding neighborhoods.

Italy's Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said there were no Italian victims in the blast. "Italy will not be intimidated," he said on Twitter.