Italian Economic Development Minister Federica Guidi will pay an important visit to Egypt on February 3-4, said Egypt's Ambassador to Italy Amr Helmy.

The minister will be leading a delegation of 37 heads of major Italian companies operating in petroleum, gas, petrochemicals, clear energy, car industry, construction, railways and others.

The Italian minister's visit will come as part of preparations for a projected Egyptian-Italian summit, added the ambassador in a statement distributed by the Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

Guidi's coming visit to Egypt acquires special importance as part of the distinguished ties binding the two countries, added the ambassador.

The diplomat also pointed out to the successful visit of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to Rome in November 2014 along with the participation of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in Egypt Economic Development Conference, which was held in Sharm el Sheikh in March 2015.

ENI's gas discovery in Egypt contributed to further boosting ties between the two countries, he added.

Italy also supported Egypt in obtaining a non-permanent seat at UN Security council, he said, adding that it also threw its weight behind Egypt to get the status of "country of operations" from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The ambassador also said that Italy is considered the first trade partner for Egypt at the European Union level and the third worldwide.

The talks which will be held by the Italian minister will focus on Italy's support to the Small and Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs) by 45 million dollars, he added.

Source: MENA