Egypt, Italy cold relations to normalise after ambassadors return

Egypt's new ambassador to Italy, headed to Rome on Friday, two days after the arrival of Italian ambassador to Cairo

Coordination between Egypt and Italy continues regarding the return of the Italian ambassador to Cairo with the motive of improving the relations that has witnessed tensions for almost one year over the slow pace of investigations of murder of Italian student Guilio Regeni.
Egypt's new ambassador to Italy, Hesham Badr, headed to Rome on Friday, two days after the arrival of Giampaolo Cantini to Cairo, to a copy of his credentials to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry in preparation for the adoption of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, to start performing his duties.

On Thursday, both ambassadors met and discussed illegal immigration, Libyan crisis, and ways to confront terrorism.
In a similar context, Egypt's Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Shoukry met with his Italian counterpart, Angelino Alfano, on Thursday and discussed Egyptian-Italian relations, and the return of the ambassadors. The meeting came on the sidelines of the sixth ministerial meeting to discuss the Libyan crisis.
Egypt's Ambassador to Italy Hesham Badr said in press statements that the Egyptian-Italian relations are significant on all levels and the good relations will be restored through enhancing it during the next stage.
Also, the Italian ambassador confirmed during his meeting with officials of the ministry the importance of the relation between the two countries. He also praised the role played by Egypt in the Middle East to solve regional issues.
Regarding Shoukry and Alfano meeting, the Egyptian Minister praised the return of the Italian ambassador to Cairo and expressed aspiration to affirm good relations between both countries.
The two countries relations have witnessed tensions for over one year, after Italy announced to withdraw its ambassador in Cairo, impacting both countries diplomatic ties. In mid-August, Italy announced the returning of its ambassador to Cairo, and Egypt has welcomed the decision.
The two ministers agreed to continue coordination between two countries regarding investigation the death of the Italian student. Alfano has previously commented on the Italian decision saying that Italy is convinced that the return of the ambassador to Cairo would strengthen relations with the Egyptian authorities and enhance judicial cooperation to make progress regarding the investigation.
They further reviewed Egypt's efforts to solve Libyan crisis and confirmed coordination among Libyan factions to find possible solutions.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ahmed Abou Zaid commented on the arrival of the Italian ambassador to Egypt, saying the investigation is still ongoing, as Egypt is concerned to reach a final result, He added that one of the new ambassador's tasks is to follow up with the investigation of Regeni's case.
Also in August, General-Prosecutor Nabil Sadek has reviewed in a phone call with his Italian counterpart, Giuseppe Pignatone, the developments of Regeni's case. The last meeting held between Egyptian and Italian investigators was in May.