Mubarak receives Spanish ruler of Catalonia
Egypt-Spain, Politics, 2/7/2002

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received Wednesday morning at the Presidency Headquarters the Head of Catalonia Government Jurdi Pujol and his accompanying delegation.

Minster of Foreign Trade Youssef Boutros Ghali and the Spanish ambassador to Egypt Pedro Lopez attended the meeting.

The Spanish guest who is on a four-day visit to Egypt, had conferred with several top officials including the premier and the Minister of Foreign trade on means of promoting bilateral Trade and investment.

He also inaugurated Spain- Egypt Expo 2002 that displays made-in-Spain goods.

The Spanish guest is accompanied by a large delegation including 50 businessmen from Catalonia.

Ghali following the meeting said President Mubarak and Jurdi Pujo dealt with several subjects including the pioneering role Egypt can play in enhancing Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.

Talks also covered topics to be presented to the Valencia meeting to be held shortly in completion of the Barcelona Conference for Euro-Mediterranean cooperation held in 1995.

President Mubarak's meeting with the Spanish Catalonia Premier tackled a host of other issues such as the Middle East peace, the enlargement of the European Common Market and its impact on the ECM's approach to the Mediterranean countries, especially those that who inked agreements with the EU.

The meeting also addressed political relations between Egypt and Spain, especially in the trade field, said Ghali, noting that Egypt's exports to Spain over the past four years reached dlrs 220 million. He voiced hope Spain would open the trade door for Egypt in Europe.

On his part, Pujol expressed Spain's support as far as opening European markets for Egyptian Agricultural exports were concerned.

The Spanish official also voiced his happiness with meeting Mubarak, noting this was the opportune moment to reactivate the Barcelona understanding and proceed with the Middle East development plan.

The EU's tendency to enlarge and enroll east European countries will not have any negative impact on the Euro Mediterranean cooperation, he added.

He said Europe has to be more effective in the Palestinian issue and has to convince the U.S. to be more positive in this struggle.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak to have talks in Spain on bilateral cooperation, ME and international terrorism   (11/1/2001)
  Mubarak's visit to Spain comes amidst critical circumstances   (11/1/2001)
  Mubarak on a two-day visit to Spain   (10/31/2001)

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