New Delhi: In the next fortnight, India will see two high-level visits, one by the Italian Prime Minister on October 30 and the second one by the Belgian royal couple from November 5 to 11.

In a statement, the MEA said Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy, Mr Paolo Gentiloni, accompanied by Mrs Emanuela Mauro Gentiloni, will be on a state visit to India on Monday, October 30, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The last visit of the Italian Prime Minister to India was in February 2007. Coming after a gap of more than a decade, the visit is aimed at strengthening the bilateral political and economic relations between the two countries.”

The MEA added, “A 15-member Italian CEO delegation will be accompanying the official delegation. Interaction between the CEOs of the two countries is also being planned. Over 600 Italian companies are active in India covering various sectors such as fashion, garments, textile and textile machinery, automotive, automotive components industry, infrastructure, chemicals, energy, confectionary, insurance etc. A number of Indian companies are also present in Italy mainly in IT, electronics, engineering, automotive, pharmaceuticals and railway sectors.”

On the second visit, the MEA said, “Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium will pay a State Visit to India from November 5 to November 11 at the invitation of the President of India.”