Musharraf receives message from Mubarak on Afghan crisis
Egypt-Pakistan, Politics, 11/20/2001

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Monday received a message from President Hosni Mubarak on the current conditions in Afghanistan and other issues of mutual concern.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher delivered the message in his capacity as Mubarak's envoy.

Musharraf and Maher discussed the friendly and distinguished ties between Egypt and Pakistan during a meeting that was attended by Foreign Minister Abdusattar.

In statement to reporters, Maher said he came to Pakistan with a message of friendship and support from Cairo, adding that his visit aimed at improving Egyptian- Pakistani ties.

On the current conditions in Afghanistan and efforts to form a broad-based government following the collapse of Taliban, Maher expressed hope that peace would prevail in this Muslim country.

"The Afghan people have the first and final word in the question of forming a new government in Kabul." Maher said, stressing Egypt's constant support for the Afghan people.

"Egypt supports efforts being exerted by UN special envoy for Afghanistan Lakhdar Brahimi to help restore peace in Afghanistan," noted Ahmed Maher.

Maher highlighted the importance of allowing the Afghans to choose their own government.

He denied any intentions to re-open the Egyptian embassy in Afghanistan. Maher said he underlined to Musharraf that Egypt's peace efforts include the Palestinian and Syrian tracks as well as the completion of Israel's withdrawal from the Lebanese territories.

The top diplomat voiced his country's readiness to take part in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Asked whether Egypt was asked to participate in international troops, Maher said his country has not been contacted in this respect yet.

On whether he was carrying a special initiative or idea to solve the issue of Afghanistan, Maher said there were international efforts exerted after the crucial phase of the taliban era and Egypt was part of these efforts.

Musharraf re-extended an invitation to President Mubarak to visit Pakistan, said Maher, adding that Mubarak would do so when he had the chance.

After the end of talks between Musharraf and Maher a statement was released.

The statement said that Maher delivered a message from Mubarak to Musharraf in which he expressed solidarity with and support for Pakistan's principled and brave decision to join the international anti-terrorism alliance.

Maher also briefed Musharraf on the inexorable Israeli antagonistic practices in the Palestinian Authority (PA) territories, a matter which causes tension in the region and bodes ill over a serious escalation of violence in the Middle East, statement added.

Musharraf stressed Pakistan's readiness to fully cooperate with all the efforts being exerted under the umbrella of the United Nations to reach a political settlement in Afghanistan and form a broad-based Afghan government expressive in Afghanistan and form a broad-based afghan government expressive of all the ethnic groups and accepted by all the afghan people, statement concluded.

Maher, on the other hand, held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Abdusattar khan.

The two diplomats discussed the developments of the situation in Afghanistan and ways of boosting bilateral relations.

In a press conference held by Abdusattar Monday in Islamabad, he said that Maher's visit to Pakistan offered a good chance to exchange views on the situation in the region and the whole world.

'I seize the opportunity to wholeheartedly greet the generous gesture from the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt towards Pakistan and we welcome the visit of the Foreign Minister of Egypt,' said Abdulsattar.

Talks with Maher dwelt on the current situation in Afghanistan and its repercussions, he said, pointing out that President Mubarak's message delivered yesterday by Maher to Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf was one of Egyptian solidarity with Pakistan.

Previous Stories:
  Egyptian-Pakistani relations, cordial and profound   (2/24/2001)
  Joint Egyptian - Pakistani meeting in Islamabad at end of this year   (4/21/2000)
  Egypt, Pakistan to resume joint committee   (4/17/2000)

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