BELGRADE, Sept 29, 2008 (AFP) - Italy's Foreign Minister Franco Frattini told AFP on Monday that 19 European tourists and Egyptians, including five Italians, kidnapped in Egypt 10 days ago were 'in a good shape.'

'They are in a good shape, they are on their way to Cairo, and then from Cairo to Italy,' Frattini told AFP at the end of his visit to Belgrade.

Earlier, Egyptian state television reported the release of the Italian, German and Romanian tourists and their Egyptian guides who were kidnapped by bandits in a remote desert region.

'Our hostages have been released and they are fine,' Frattini confirmed.

Frattini, who was in Belgrade to attend a signing ceremony between the Serbian government and carmakers Fiat, said he was 'very grateful to all those who have cooperated with Italian authorities and in particular, to the Egyptian authorities.

'It was very important to cooperate, this was the key to our success,' Frattini said.