Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Saturday that Egypt, as a government and people, is in solidarity with the governments and people of the whole world in the fight against the coronavirus, according to Ahram Online. “We are fully prepared to provide all possible support during these difficult circumstances,” Sisi said on his official Facebook account. The president said that in times of adversity, human values transcend everything, and, God willing, this critical time will pass. “We will all win, and history will mention the greatness of Egypt and its solidarity with the whole world,” he said. Egypt sent on Saturday two military jets to Italy to provide medical aid, including medical supplies, protective suits and disinfectants. Presidency spokesperson Bassam Rady said in a separate statement earlier in the day that Egypt's efforts are meant to ease the burden on Italy during its current plight, especially amid the severe shortage in medical supplies. The coronavirus has claimed close to 14,000 lives in locked-down Italy, with the country announcing over 115,000 detected cases since the beginning of the outbreak. Global cases of the new coronavirus have shot past 1 million with more than 54,000 fatalities. On 22 March, Egypt sent 1.5 million medical masks to Italy to help it deal with its growing coronavirus crisis. In February, Egypt provided China with 10 tonnes of preventative medical items and equipment, such as masks and alcoholic antiseptics, to help deal with the coronavirus outbreak. “This ordeal came to remind us of the importance of the spirit of cooperation and unity and requires us to join hands, be responsible, optimistic and patient,” Sisi added. Egypt's health ministry reported 85 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, bringing the country's total number of confirmed cases up to 1070, while the death toll stands at 71.
