Mubarak receives US Congress delegation

President Hosni Mubarak Saturday morning received US Congressman James Moran, member of the Congress Appropriations Committee, and his accompanying delegation currently visiting Cairo.

The US congressional delegation's visit to Egypt falls within the context of a tour of a number of states of the area. Moran described his meeting with President Hosni Mubarak Saturday as very positive.

Speaking to the press, the Virginia Congressman said the meeting tackled the outcome of the President's visit to the US last month and his meetings with heads of the major information technology companies in Northern Virginia.

"These companies are interested in promoting economic and trade ties with Egypt," he added.

"Talks also covered the Middle East peace process and bilateral relations," he further said.

Moran described Egypt as a nation of great civilization in science, literature and technology.

"President Mubarak has been an active and key figure in the region's economic and social progress," Moran said.

He called on all parties in the Middle East to be flexible, adding that intransigence only complicates reaching peace. He referred to the Mubarak's wise remarks that the goal was not to realize a temporary peace, but a permanent and stable one.

"To achieve this, flexibility and mutual trust are needed," he added.

Moreover, Foreign Minister Amr Moussa met on Saturday with visiting US congressional delegation led by James Moran. Moran termed as "fruitful and constructive" his meeting with Moussa.

"Talks covered the latest developments in the Middle East peace process," said Moran, adding that Egypt is a basic partner in the peace process and economic cooperation with US.

"US appreciates the vital role which President Mubarak and his aides especially Moussa play in the peace process," said Moran.

Moran lauded Egypt's moderate role in the region as well as its efforts in the field of social and economic development.