Mubarak, force for progress stability in ME
Egypt-UK, Politics, 1/20/2000

In exclusive statements to "Al-Ahram" newspaper, British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, who arrived in Cairo last night on a two-day visit, described relations between Egypt and Britain as "excellent and time-honored".

"We have historical relations with the region which will continue to be of strategic and vital importance to us," he said, adding that the Middle East is a neighbor to Europe and a great deal of his talks with President Mubarak and Foreign Minister Amr Moussa will be devoted to bilateral issues.

He further said that Britain is looking forward to a more effective contribution to the success of the Middle East process.

As regards the Syrian-Israeli negotiations, he said that the most important point is that the negotiations have already started.

Cook underlined that President Mubarak is considered a force for making progress and achieving stability in the area.

He lauded accomplishments achieved as regards the Egyptian economic reform.

"Britain is the biggest foreign investor in Egypt and is looking forward to increasing trade exchange with it," Cook said. Welcoming the Egyptian-Libyan initiative to settle the Sudanese crisis, he said that Egypt plays an important role in Sudan and its support for settling the Sudanese problem is necessary. "It is important to coordinate efforts in this respect," he added.

President Mubarak today receives Cook. Talks will cover the latest developments in the Middle East, the Iraqi problem, the situation in Sudan and bilateral relations.

Previous Stories:
  British foreign secretary to arrive in Cairo tonight   (1/19/2000)
  Robin Cook makes Middle East tour   (1/18/2000)
  Vedrine and Cook to visit Cairo soon   (1/5/2000)

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