Sisi, Renzi discuss anti-terrorism efforts over phone

President Abdel Fattah al Sisi received a telephone call from Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi Tuesday.

The two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Mediterranean region and international efforts exerted by Rome to secure the region.

They stressed the need to settle the Libyan crisis, presidential spokesman Alaa Youssef said.

Renzi told Sisi his country had called for holding an extra-ordinary summit of the European Council to discuss all Mediterranean issues, atop of which the anti-terrorism file, Youssef said

The world community has become more aware of the threat of the Libyan crisis, not only to Egypt and Italy, but to the whole world, the Italian prime minister said.

Sisi stressed to Renzi that countries suffering from terrorism should restore full control to be able to protect their peoples against extremism and terrorism, Youssef said.

Sisi welcomed the idea of holding a European summit and called it important, the presidential spokesman added.

He called for action to comprehensively counter terrorism, stressing that military and security confrontations should not be the only tool.

Sisi pressed for efforts to achieve economic and social development as yet another way to fight extremism and terrorism.

The president also stressed the importance of boosting bilateral cooperation with Italy and the European Union, particularly where fighting terrorism is concerned.

Sisi also called for supporting Libya's government and its elected parliament and national army in the fight against terrorism.

It is important to enhance military capabilities of the Libyan army and to stop arms and money supplies to terrorist organizations operating in Libya, the president stressed.