High turnout expected in Cairo's key Islamic Conference

Over 110 representatives of 63 countries and organizations are expected at the 12th Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs that starts in Cairo on Sunday.

Egypt's Prime Minister Atef Ebeid will address the four-day gathering on behalf of President Hosni Mubarak.

Addressing the opening session will be Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Mohammed Sayed Tantawi, Arab League Secretary-General Esmat Abdul-Maguid and Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria.

"Convening such conferences in Egypt emphasizes Egypt's role in narrowing the gap between the Muslim world and the advanced world," said Awqaf Minister Mahmoud Hamdi Zaqzouq.

President Mubarak is due to honor a number of Muslim preachers and scholars on the fourth day of the conference.