Italian FM Paolo Gentiloni in Cairo on Monday

Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni will pay a one-day visit to Egypt on Monday, within the framework of consultations between the two countries on regional issues and to show solidarity with Egypt after Saturday's terrorist bombing outside the Italian consulate in Cairo.

He said in statements to La Repubblica newspaper that the attack on Italy's consulate will not intimidate his country.

It was meant to frighten Italy from working with Egypt in its battle against terror, he said. "But we will not allow ourselves to be intimidated by terrorism," he added.

He referred to Daesh's involvement in the attack on the Italian Consulate, which was carried out in the exact same manner as the assassination of the prosecutor general on June 29 just outside his home.

Egypt and Italy will continue to work together, he said.

The Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, spoke with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi after the attack. According to a statement released later from Renzi’s office, he expressed his strong support: “We will not leave Egypt alone: Italy and Egypt are and will always be together in the fight against terrorism.”

The blast heavily damaged the distinctive early 20th century building that once housed a school and became the Italian Consulate after World War II. Charred car parts littered the street, which flooded in some areas from rupture water pipes. Several floors of the consulate were destroyed on one side, leaving a gaping hole.

The purported Islamic State (Daesh) said the group had used 450 kilograms (990 pounds) of explosives in the attack. It warned Muslims to stay away from such "security nests" that were "lawful targets" for attacks.