Mubarak Italian visit focus on political coordination
Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak Sunday starts a 3-day visit to Italy for important talks on bilateral relations, development of the peace process and Euro-Mediterranean partnership.
On Monday morning, President Mubarak will have a meeting with Italian President Carlo Azello Ciampi followed by a working luncheon at the Italian Republican Palace.
The luncheon will be attended by the Speaker of the Italian parliament, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the Senate, Italian Prime Minister Jiulliani Amato and Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini, and representatives of the Italian parties.
On Monday evening, President Mubarak will proceed to the Italian cabinet premises for talks with Italian Prime Minister Amato.
Talks will deal with the deteriorating positions in the Palestinian territories in the light of accession to power in Israel by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, ways of developing distinctive relations between Egypt and Italy.
A press conference will be held following the talks. Then President Mubarak will attend a dinner banquet hosted by the Italian Prime Minister. On Tuesday morning the president will move to the Vatican for talks with Pope John Paul II on the peace process stalemate.
Then, President Mubarak will attend the inaugural session of the board of governors of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The President will also attend a dinner hosted by Fawzy Hamad Al Sultan, the IFAD chairman.
Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said the Egyptian Italian summit acquires a special significance and reflects the depth of relations at the various levels.
He added Italy is one of the most important trade partners to Egypt, adding talks between President Mubarak and Italian leadership will focus on political coordination towards Middle East, Mediterranean issues, Egyptian- Mediterranean partnership and economic as well as commercial cooperation between the two countries.
The Italian Ambassador in Cairo said that President Mubarak's visit to Italy acquires a special significance as it comes after the Israeli elections, adding Italy is interested in listening to President Mubarak's standpoint on the current developments.