Mubarak's visit to China, Japan to strengthen cooperation
Egypt-International, Politics, 4/2/1999

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will hold a four-day visit to China as of next Tuesday.

He will be accompanied by a high-ranking ministerial delegation that includes Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal Ganzoury, and Egypt's ministers of foreign affairs, economy, electricity, planning, international cooperation, public works and information, in addition to a delegation of Egyptian businessmen.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said Mubarak's Asian tour is considered a great event in Egyptian diplomacy under the leadership of President Mubarak for its economic and political dimensions, pointing out that this tour will be followed by other tours to boost Egypt's relations with countries in Asia.

Moussa described Egypt's relation with China as historic, forming a link between two great ancient civilizations and noting that these relations have lasted and developed throughout the years.

Moussa also said China is a great country with a political and economic role not in Asia only but also in Africa and in the world as a whole. He added that it plays an effective role in light of its membership in the UN Security Council. Moussa said China is an example to be followed in economic development and reform, establishing free and industrial zones.

He also stated that there is a joint understanding between Egypt and China on participating in upgrading Suez Gulf by establishing direct and mutual projects. The visit of president Mubarak to Shanghai is considered an indicator of Egypt's concern with China and with establishing an effective and clear Egyptian - Chinese partnership.

Moussa confirmed that Egypt sees a positive element in the Chinese role in forming the new international system and upgrading it, saying that Egyptian - Chinese relations will tackle the peace process in Middle East, the situations in Middle East and Asia, as well as the international economic situation, the United Nations' status, and the economic crisis in south Asia.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said the Egyptian president will visit Japan on April 11 - 13. In a statement issued on Thursday, the ministry added that Mubarak will hold during his visit, the fourth for Japan, talks with Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi concerning several issues, especially the Middle East peace process and bilateral relations.

President Mubarak will also meet with Japanese Emperor Akihito.

Moussa confirmed the possibility of establishing an effective cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economic, scientific and humanitarian environments, saying that Japan's initiative in building a bridge over the Suez Canal that links between Asia and Africa is a symbol of fruitful cooperation between the two countries.

Moussa also said Japan is of great interest to the Middle East, which is the region exporting energy to it.

Concerning Mubarak's visit to South Korea, Moussa said there are several Korean companies working in Egypt, expecting progress and prosperity in the Egyptian - Korean relations.

He also said that Egypt is concerned with peace on the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing Egypt's readiness to exert efforts to remove any suspicions between South and North Korea according to the demand of the two countries.

Moussa added that Mubarak had intended to visit India this time, but the time was not available. He said there are another arrangements for exchanged visits with Pakistan and countries in southeastern and central Asia in light of the deep relations between Egypt and these countries.

Previous Stories:
  Arafat meets with Mubarak today   (4/1/1999)
  Mubarak's Asian tour to include South Korea, China and Japan   (3/31/1999)
  Mubarak's visit to China to establish new foundation for bilateral relations   (3/30/1999)

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