Maher in Italy on Thursday for talks on ME tensions, ties

The Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher said that his visit to Italy, to start on Thursday, would build on talks President Mubarak held with Italian officials.

In statements to MENA, late Wednesday, Maher said that he would meet with the new Italian foreign minister.

He added that talks would extend over a dinner and tackle promoting bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East.

"Talks will also address outcome of the Group of Eight (G-8) summit, recently hosted by Italy, as well as the European role in re-launching the Mideast peace process," he said.

He added that he would hold talks with the speaker of the Italian Parliament who will visit Egypt soon.