STORY: Egyptian president, Italian FM discuss Palestinian-Israeli conflict
DATELINE: Oct. 12, 2023
LENGTH: 00:00:30
LOCATION: Cairo
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the headquarters of the Egyptian presidency
2. various of the meeting (courtesy of Egyptian presidency)
3. various of the headquarters of the Egyptian presidency

STORYLINE:

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi held talks on Wednesday with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Cairo, where they discussed the ongoing deadly Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.

Sisi and Tajani, also vice president of Italy's Council of Ministers, underlined the gravity of the situation and the importance of defusing tensions and bringing about calm between the Palestinians and the Israelis in order to ensure the stability of the region.

They also affirmed that "a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution represents the utmost necessity for the stability of the region."

The Egyptian president warned of the serious security and humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict, highlighting the important role of Europe and the international community in restoring peace and carrying out negotiations.

Later in the day, Tajani held talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, during which they also discussed the conflict.

Tajani asked for Egyptian mediation to free the hostages being held by Hamas, including at least two Italian nationals.

For his part, Shoukry said that Egypt had stepped up communication with regional and international partners as well as the Palestinians and Israelis to contain the crisis.

He added that Egypt was keen to keep the Rafah border crossing open in order to provide humanitarian aid for the innocent civilians who were subjected to a siege, raids and a shortage of services in the Gaza Strip.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cairo.