Mubarak, Bin Isa discuss bilateral relations, peace process

Egypt's President Mubarak yesterday held a session of talks in Alexandria with Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the Emir of Bahrain. Talks touched on ways of developing political and economic relations, which are developing between the two states in the regional and international areas. Developments of the peace process especially on the Palestinian track were also considered.

Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa gave a statement on the occasion of his visit to Egypt in which he offered condolences to President Mubarak, the government and people of Egypt for the victims of the Gulf Air plane crash.

The Emir of Bahrain expressed his appreciation of the pioneering Egyptian role, referring to President Mubarak's efforts for maintaining Arab solidarity.

Sheikh Hamad said he is committed to the deeply-rooted historical relations with Egypt and to boosting such relations at all levels.

He also said that he was content with the promotion of Egyptian-Bahraini cooperation so as to maintain the interests of the two peoples in economy, investment, education, mass media, and tourism.

Sheikh Hamad said changes on the Arab arena nowadays require that inter-Arab consultations be propelled in a bid to reach the maximum degrees of cooperation and solidarity to take collective Arab positions. He added that his summit with Mubarak would undoubtedly contribute to closing Arab ranks.

The two leaders will conclude their talks this morning following which the emir of Bahrain will leave Alexandria.