Egypt and Italy: Importance of a Comprehensive and Just Settlement of the Palestinian Issue and Ensuring the Palestinian People's Right to Establish Their Independent State

Egypt and Italy on Thursday underscored the importance of a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian issue, ensuring the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights and their right to establish their independent state. This came during a joint press conference held by Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr. Badr Abdelatty and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, following the conclusion of their talks in Egypt’s new capital.

Abdelatty clarified that the discussions addressed regional issues, foremost among them the situation in Palestinian territories and the importance of working to implement the second phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan. He praised cooperation between Egypt and Italy on several regional issues, highlighting consensus on the critical importance of preserving the territorial integrity of Libya and Sudan, and supporting the political process in both countries.

He added that the talks also covered the situation in Lebanon, given Italy’s role, emphasizing the paramount importance of safeguarding Lebanon’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as supporting its state institutions. Abdelatty simultaneously stressed strong condemnation of all actions taken by the Israeli occupation, particularly the continued aggression against southern Lebanon and the ongoing occupation of Lebanese territories.

Abdelatty noted that the discussions reaffirmed the importance of returning to the memorandum of understanding reached between the United States and Iran, acknowledging Egypt’s efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote political, peaceful, and diplomatic solutions.

Regarding the Nile River file, the Egyptian Foreign Minister affirmed that it is an existential issue and a matter of national security, stating that under no circumstances can Egypt’s water security be compromised. He stressed the full commitment to international law, particularly the principles of no significant harm and the rejection of unilateral measures.

He said the talks between the two sides represented an important opportunity to evaluate the overall trajectory of Egyptian-Italian relations, assess progress made, and explore ways to broaden cooperation, whether bilaterally or within the framework of Egypt’s partnership with the European Union.

He added that the convening of the first session of the Egyptian-Italian Joint Commission today marks a highly significant milestone in the bilateral relationship, serving as an important institutional mechanism to organize and deepen ties, follow up on agreed-upon items, and translate shared political will into practical and tangible projects and programs.

For his part, Tajani praised his country’s relations with Egypt, noting that his “extensive” dialogue with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi earlier on Thursday covered bilateral relations and regional issues.

Tajani explained that illegal migration was discussed, emphasizing Italy’s and Egypt’s commitment to combating irregular migration and human trafficking.

On regional issues, Tajani affirmed that “Italy always supports the establishment of a Palestinian state and condemns the violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers, who are supported by (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu, which hinders the establishment of a Palestinian state.”

He noted that freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, through which approximately half of global trade passes, was also discussed. He added that “the two countries agree on taking a constructive stance in the region to ensure freedom of navigation, and we will work toward the action group formed in Rome with the Arab League to ensure food security.”

He further stated that the water issue was also discussed, describing it as “a very important topic for Egypt,” and expressed his belief that, in line with respect for international law, a solution satisfactory to all parties must be found. He expressed his country’s readiness to play a mediating role to resolve the problem.

The Italian minister said his country supports all efforts undertaken by Cairo to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, end wars, and advance initiatives aimed at reaching a solution to the Libyan crisis.