Egypt is a close friend of America
Egypt-USA, Politics, 10/16/2001

US ambassador in Cairo David Welch reaffirmed late Monday the strength of Egyptian-American relations.

In statements following his meeting with Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher, Welch described Egypt as a close friend of America.

He also lauded President Hosni Mubarak's pivotal role at the current junction as well as the high level of cooperation between Egypt and the US .

Asked about the anti-Egyptian campaign launched in a number of American papers, Welch said he does not believe all reports published by the Egyptian Press. Egyptians, in turn, should not believe everything written in American papers.

Welch said he reviewed with Maher the situation in the region in light of the current US led campaign on terrorism.

He added that he updated the top Egyptian diplomat on US efforts at the diplomatic level as well as US President George W. Bush's keenness on offering more aid to the Afghan people.

Talks also dwelt on the outcome of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Foreign Ministerial meeting, recently hosted by Doha, and the American evaluation of it, according-to Welch.

Asked about whether the US-led campaign would trigger more terrorism in several parts of the world, Welch said the anti terror campaign will continue at the economic, diplomatic, political, financial, intelligence and legal levels.

Queried about whether US State Secretary Colin Powell's tour would take him to Egypt, the US ambassador said Powell would head for southeast Asia and then for China.

Asked about the western news reports that Iraq was involved in the current biological war, Welch said he could not confirm that because investigations were still underway.

Meantime, a delegation representing the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs will pay a few days' visit to the US at the end of October, Chairman of the Council Ibrahim Shaker said Monday.

The visit aims at holding a dialogue with strategic political studies institutes and centers, men of thought and decision-makers in the US for expounding the Egyptian stance as regards the Middle East issue and the necessity of setting up the Palestinian State so as to settle the Arab-Israeli conflict, he added.

The Council held a session of dialogue Sunday night with Welch dealing with the present situation on regional and international arenas.

They also dealt with US President George.W Bush's statements on the importance of setting up a Palestinian State.

Previous Stories:
  On Egyptian- American relations   (10/15/2001)
  Maher voices solidarity with Americans   (10/9/2001)
  Egypt understands US response   (10/9/2001)

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