Egyptian-Bahraini summit stressed unified Arab peace vision
Egypt-Bahrain, Politics, 5/25/2002

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak yesterday discussed escalating tension in the Middle East during summit talks with Bahraini King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa.

The summit held in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm-El Sheikh was part of consultations between President Mubarak and Arab leaders and heads of state over the regional situation.

Soon After Bahraini King arrived in Sharm El-Sheikh on a few days' visit, he held extensive talks with President Hosni Mubarak.

The meeting was attended by the Bahraini Ministers of Defence and royal court as well as other officials. From the Egyptian side, the Ministers of Defence and Information and the Presidential Cabinet Chief were present.

The talks are part of continued consultations and contacts between Mubarak and Arab leaders on the situation in the Palestinian territories and means to stop ongoing violence, return to the peace process and implementation of international legitimacy resolutions.

Over the past two weeks, the Egyptian leader met with Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, Sudan's President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir, Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad and Saudi Crown prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz.

"The summit held Thursday between President Mubarak and Bahraini King was part of continued Arab consultations," Information Minister Safwat Al-Sherif said.

Conditions in the Middle East were the focus of the Mubarak-Hamad talks, Sherif said, noting that the two leaders reviewed the results of efforts and contacts made with parties concerned.

"Mubarak and Hamad underlined the importance of a unified Arab vision towards the future of the peace process, within a framework of respect for international legitimacy, UN resolutions and the land-for-peace principle," the Minister said.

The two leaders also stressed the exigency of activating mechanism of joint Arab action on both the Arab and international arenas, and reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian people.

Mubarak and Hamad called on the international community to get Israel to lift the sanctions imposed on Palestinian territories in accordance with related UN Security Council resolutions so that the Palestinian Authority can take over its responsibilities and reform its structures.

"President Mubarak said that a full Israeli withdrawal would renew hope for a political solution and serve efforts aimed at stopping the cycle of violence, revenge and counter-revenge," Sherif noted.

The two leaders also touched on bilateral issues and directed their respective officials to implement a number of recommendations to boost distinguished ties between Egypt and Bahrain in all fields.

On his visit to the US which is due to start on June 5 upon invitation from President George Bush, Mubarak said it was aimed to discuss means to support efforts aimed to achieve comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East.

Hamad also discussed with Mubarak the results of the reform projects introduced in Bahrain, the first step of which was the recently held local elections.

Bahraini Information Minister Nabil Al-Homer Thursday said his country is keen on maintaining close relations with Egypt, referring to strong ties between President Hosni Mubarak and King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain, who starts Thursday a visit to Egypt.

In an interview with Sawt El-Arab radio, Homer said the Kingdom of Bahrain appreciates Egypt's noble role in the service of Arab causes.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak, Bahrain's king talks in Sharm El-Sheikh today   (5/23/2002)
  Mubarak holds talks with King of Bahrain   (3/30/2002)
  Egypt, Bahrain boost media cooperation   (11/13/2001)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search