CAIRO, March 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak left here for Rome, Italy on Thursday, kicking off a three-nation European tour that will also take him to Germany and Austria, the official MENA news agency reported.

    Mubarak, a veteran leader in the Middle East, will discuss pressing issues in the Arab world with the leaders of the three European nations, said MENA.

    "President Mubarak will discuss with the leaders of Italy, Germany and Austria the Iraq situation, developments in the Palestinian territories following Hamas' victory in the (Jan. 25)legislative elections and the conflict in Sudan's western Darfur region," said the report.

    Bilateral relations are also expected to figure high in the talks between Mubarak and the European leaders as Egypt is seeking to build stronger trade and investment ties with Europe as part of efforts to reactivate the country's economy.

    Mubarak is accompanied on his European tour by a large government delegation, which includes Foreign Minister Ahmed AbulGheit and Minister of Trade and Industry Rashid Mohammed Rashid. Enditem