Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi discussed bilateral cooperation in a phone call, covering education, renewable energy, migration, and regional security. Italy’s engagement with Egypt reinforces its strategic role in the Mediterranean and aligns with EU priorities. With Cairo leading post-war Gaza stabilization talks, Italy’s involvement could further shape regional dynamics while advancing its Piano Mattei per l’Africa
Strategic engagement. On Thursday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi held a phone conversation to discuss key areas of bilateral cooperation.
- Their discussion focused on education, professional training, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture—key pillars of Italy’s Piano Mattei per l’Africa.
- Migration management under the EU-Egypt Memorandum of Understanding and regional security, particularly in the Middle East and the Red Sea, were also on the agenda.
Why it matters. Italy is reinforcing its diplomatic and economic influence in the Indo-Mediterranean region.
- This engagement with Egypt follows high-level interactions with India and the UAE, reflecting Rome’s ambition to position itself as a key geopolitical actor amid global shifts.
The bigger picture. Italy’s outreach to Egypt strengthens the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership between the EU and Cairo, enhancing cooperation on migration, trade, and security.
- While new corridors like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) are emerging, the Suez Canal remains an essential global chokepoint for European trade and supply chains.
- Italy plays a leading role in securing Red Sea trade routes, currently holding the Force Commander position in the EU’s Aspides mission to counter Houthi threats to commercial shipping.
What to watch. As Italy strengthens its presence in the Mediterranean, the deepening engagement with Egypt extends beyond bilateral cooperation—it plays into broader regional stability.
- Cairo is positioning itself as a key player in post-war Gaza stabilization, having proposed an Arab-backed reconstruction plan set for discussion at the 4 March Arab League meeting.
- Egypt’s outreach to Italy may signal an effort to involve Rome in the initiative, leveraging its regional diplomatic and humanitarian presence.
- Meanwhile, the next phase of Italy’s Mediterranean strategy will depend on Piano Mattei’s capacity to translate political vision into concrete projects, shaping Rome’s role in Africa and the Indo-Mediterranean.
