President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will head to Italy and France between 24-28 November as part of a four-day European tour, the presidency said.
The visit comes at a time when Egypt is witnessing strong ties with European countries, especially after the tripartite summit held in Cairo last week between Egypt, Greece and Cyprus and support by the European Union countries toward the political and economic reform in Egypt upon election of Sisi in June, sources told Al-Masry Al-Youm.
The sources added that economic reform in Egypt has become more attracting to investments than any time passed. President Sisi, according to sources, is aware of that, thus the economic issues will be on top of the issues discussed, in addition to terrorism.
The visit targets strengthening ties with European countries and clarifying the Egyptian stance with Mediterranean countries, especially Turkey, the sources said.
Talks are expected to tackle combating illegal immigration as well as partnerships in information, cooperation in energy fields and excavating natural gas on the maritime borders for the Mediterranean countries, the sources said.
Each of Italy and France will be invited to take part in the economic summit that will be held in Egypt in March, the sources revealed.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry started on Monday a four-day European tour that includes Paris, London and Copenhagen.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Badr Abdel Aaty said the minister left on Monday to meet his Saudi counterpart Saud al-Faisal in Paris. He will then head to London to meet his US counterpart John Kerry over developments of the Palestinian cause. Shoukry will attend the ministerial partnership forum in Copenhagen on Somalia. It will take place on 19-20 November.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
