June 16, 2009….

Egyptian Ambassador to Rome, Ashraf Rashed, delivered a speech to the Italian News Agency (ANSA), entitled "Egyptian Ambassador commits to a strong alignment with Italy during the G8 Summit" in which he stated that the G8 Summit is considered an event for adopting key international decisions, including the confrontation of the economic crisis aftermaths, and supporting African continent, Climate Change, Environmental Protection, Energy and Food Safety. Ambassador Rashed pointed out that Egypt can play an important role together with the Italian Presidency during the summit scheduled to be held in July 2009, as well as the G5 participants (China, India, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa). He also expressed appreciation for the invitation addressed by the Italian Presidency to Egypt to participate in the preparatory meetings of L’Aquila Summit, referring that Egypt has its own vision regarding several issues based upon its Arab, Islamic, Mediterranean, Mid-East, and African identity.

Egyptian Ambassador declared Egypt's intention to support the Italian presidency priorities, regarding the whole summit which chiefly includes the efforts aiming at the confrontation of economic crisis, primarily affected the developing countries; Egypt is one of the important developing countries.

Ambassador Rashed also tackled the importance of the environmental issue, outlining that Egypt carries out big investments in fields of Wind, Solar, and Nuclear Energy. It also works on protecting its economic growth, in addition to environmental protection at the same time. He expressed Egypt's readiness to assume its role so that the L’Aquila Summit outcomes support the progress, peace, and security of the African continent.

The ANSA added that several African countries are decided to participate in the summit, including Algeria, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, as well as the AU Libyan Presidency. The Egyptian Ambassador said that there are common interests for achieving economic and social development in the African continent, and enhancing participation amongst developing countries, supporting free trade, and attracting investment as well.

Concerning the Illegal Migration, Egyptian Ambassador stated that such a phenomenon has to be positively faced and treated. Italy -as all other countries- selects the best policies from its point of view; though, doors should not be closed to immigrants. He highlighted the importance of having investments inside the immigrants' origin countries in the educational field, which will improve the labor skills in future, in addition to the allowance for illegal immigration according to the demand of the receiving country. Egypt and Italy had signed cooperation agreement in 2005 on the immigration labor, and they intend to enhance and improve such cooperation.

The G8 Summit can play an important role in reducing the intensity of the financial crisis effects and establishing a real partnership that reflects interests of all the concerned parties.