The President of Italy, Signor Giovanni Leone, arrived in Cairo, the Egyptian capital, on Thursday (19 December) for a brief visit. During his stay he had talks with President Anwar Sadat, the Egyptian head of state, on developments in the Middle East situation, and on bilateral relations.

He was greeted on his arrival by President Sadat and other top officials. The two leaders spent some time at the Airport's Presidential lounge, before driving to the Kubbeh Republican Palace where Signor Leone stayed.

The first session of talks, took place on Friday (20 December) and covered the Palestinian problem. In the United Nations General Assembly session last month, Italy voted for inviting the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) leader, Mr. Yasser Arafat, to address the world body.

The two leaders are also understood to have discussed the proposed Arab-European dialogue, which is being held up by the problem of whether the PLO should participate.

On Friday, following the talks, President Sadat said that there was general agreement between the two countries on the Middle East crisis. He said the main point was "how to stop the explosive situation in the area".

President Leone said his meeting with the Egyptian leader was a cordial one in which they exchanged views on finding a just solution in the Middle East, and how to restore peace in the area.