Mahlab's visit to Italy 'opportunity' to promote economic cooperation

Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab's visit to Italy, which will start Wednesday, will be an opportunity to promote joint economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries, affirmed Trade and Industry Minister Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour.

Italy is an important economic and commercial partner for Egypt and is considered one of the big markets for Egypt's exports, added the minister in a statement Sunday.

Italy is the first trade partner for Egypt at the level of the European Union and the third at the world's level, he added.

Mahlab will hold talks with senior officials at the Italian government, topped by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Italian Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti and Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni, he said.

Mahlab is scheduled to attend the celebration of Expo Milan on the occasion of Egypt's national day, which falls on July 23, added the minister.

Mahlab will also witness the signing of several MoUs between the Egyptian and Italian governments in field of petroleum, energy and electricity.

Mahlab's visit to Italy will run for three days and he will start his visit to Turin, where he will hold a roundtable meeting with about 15 senior officials at the Italian companies which are operating in the cars sector.