Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte a comprehensive political settlement in Libya, the latest developments in investigation into Giulio Regeni’s murder, as well as other issues of mutual concern.

The Egyptian president, who is on an official two-day visit to Palermo, stressed the necessity of reaching a comprehensive political settlement in Libya with the support of the United Nations to preserve the unity and territorial integrity of the country.

El-Sisi also highlighted that a political settlement will help restore the role of the state institutions and allow for holding elections in Libya and achieve stability and security.

Spokesperson to the Egyptian presidency Bassam Rady said that the two officials discussed the latest developments in the investigation into the killing of Italian student Giulio Regeni and the joint cooperation between the two countries to uncover the circumstances of the case.

Egyptian and Italian authorities have been cooperating for over two years in the investigation into the murder of Regeni, who disappeared in Cairo on 25 January 2016 and was found dead 10 days later, bearing signs of torture.

Conte also hailed Egypt's role as a cornerstone of security and stability in the Middle East, and stressed his country's keenness to continue cooperation with Egypt in light of the positive developments in the Egyptian economy.

El-Sisi expressed his happiness with the strong ties between the two countries, stressing that cooperation on issues of mutual concern will continue.

Conte and El-Sisi also discussed developing economic, trade and investment relations between the two countries.