Egypt, Italy Hold High-Level Phone Call

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration Badr Abdelatty held a telephone conversation on Sunday with Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss critical developments across the Middle East and Africa.

The call focused on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the ongoing instability in Libya and the Horn of Africa, and Egypt’s escalating concerns over Nile water security.

According to Tamim Khalaf, official spokesperson for the ministry, Minister Abdelatty briefed his Italian counterpart on Egypt’s ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate the entry of humanitarian and relief aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave. The Egyptian minister condemned what he described as “blatant violations” committed by Israeli forces in Gaza.

Minister Tajani expressed full appreciation for Egypt’s mediation role, voicing support for Cairo’s initiative to host an international reconstruction and recovery conference once a ceasefire is achieved. He also confirmed Italy’s participation in the event.

Both ministers agreed to intensify joint diplomatic coordination in the coming weeks to help de-escalate the conflict and ensure unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

The conversation also touched on mounting tensions in the Horn of Africa, where both sides emphasized the need for continued coordination in light of growing regional instability.

Minister Abdelatty also raised Egypt’s long-standing concerns regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and broader Nile water security. He reiterated Egypt’s position that shared water resources must be managed in accordance with international law, advocating for cooperation based on consensus and mutual benefit.

Abdelatty rejected any unilateral actions in the Eastern Nile Basin, warning that Egypt would take all measures guaranteed under international law to protect its vital water interests and the rights of its people.

On Libya, the two diplomats underscored the urgent need to hold presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously at the earliest opportunity. Both sides stressed that dismantling militias and ensuring the withdrawal of all foreign fighters and mercenaries is essential for restoring Libya’s sovereignty, ensuring long-term security, and addressing the root causes of irregular migration across the Mediterranean.