Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi met his Egyptian counterpart Mahmoud Tawfik in Cairo last week to discuss cooperation between the two countries, including on efforts to stem irregular migration.
Italy and Egypt "have agreed to consolidate cooperation in the field of security through the organization of a task force of experts from both sides to collaborate in the fight against illegal migration, and the activation of the second phase of a protocol of cooperation signed by the interior ministries of both countries to train African police officers against illegal migration," according to a joint statement released in Cairo following a meeting on March 16 between Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and his Egyptian counterpart Mahmoud Tawfik.
Italy appreciates Egypt's efforts against irregular migration
"During the meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation between the interior ministries of both countries and ways to develop it, and they talked about the latest developments regarding security issues of common interest," the note said.
The statement reported that "Piantedosi expressed appreciation for the Egyptian interior ministry's efforts to fight terrorism and organized crime as part of activities against irregular migration."
The Italian interior minister, moreover, said that his visit is part of plans to boost the "excellent relations and consultations between leaders from both countries, and stressed that Italy is committed to strengthening contacts between the two sides given the security challenges posed by the current situation on a regional and international scale," the statement added.
Cairo wants to strengthen cooperation with Rome
For his part, Tawfik confirmed that "the Egyptian interior ministry is in contact with Italian security agencies as part of the friendly relations connecting the governments and populations of Egypt and Italy, which are reflected on various sectors of bilateral cooperation."
The Egyptian interior minister added that he is committed to "strengthening mechanisms of cooperation and exchange of experiences with the Italian side in matters of security of common interest," said the statement, before announcing that an agreement has been reached on the creation of a working group of experts and the training of security officers.
"Minister Piantedosi moreover illustrated the projects currently being promoted to strengthen the channel of regular migration to Italy," the statement concluded.
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