Egypt's relations with the United States strategic

Egypt's President Mubarak asserted at an expanded ministerial meeting yesterday attended by representatives of the Egyptian-US Presidents Council that our relations with the United States are strategic.

The President added that his visit to Washington next April will be made at the invitation of US President George Bush . In the framework of joint interests the visit aims at shoring up bridges of cooperation between the two countries as a preliminary step toward serving interests of peace and stability at the international and regional levels.

He said relations between both countries give room for closer cooperation in the field of business.

Mubarak asserted that the role of private sector is essential, in the field of development, expanding horizons of trade. He added that Egyptian private sector, having increased its capability to produce competitive and high-quality commodities, has the right to seek access to new markets .

The President gave directives for providing an opportunity for Egyptian youth to train on sophisticated technology and the art of management.

Safwat EL-Sherif said that President Mubarak had stressed during the meeting the strategic relation between Egypt and the United States.

"President Mubarak said Egypt-US relations allow stronger cooperation in all vistas. The President listened to the views of the Egypt-US Presidents Council's members on the importance of building on the positive achievements during the past years, boosting economic cooperation, and transferring technology," Safwat El Sherif said.

Businessmen cited their efforts to find a suitable approach to increase Egyptian exports to the US and the investment inflow into Egypt.

Mubarak stressed the role of the private sector in development, widening the horizons of trade, and opening new markets having succeeded in producing competitive commodities.

The President gave directives to make better opportunities available for youths to receive training on technology and management.

"During the meeting, President Mubarak, expounded Egypt's policy on a number of regional and international issues, notably globalization and its effects on the developing countries," Sherif said.

President Mubarak said Egypt's free market policies give the business people a chance to expand cooperation with all countries, find new markets and be a part of agreements signed by governments.

Prime Minister Atef Ebeid had held a meeting Tuesday night for discussing the economic file which would be tackled during President Mubarak's visit to the United States.

The meeting reviewed a draft agreement on the establishment of a free-trade zone between Egypt and the United States in preparation for initialing it during Mubarak's visit to the United States.