Knock-door mission to buttress Egypt-US ties

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said that the knock-door mission, organized by the US Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, is considered an instrument to deepen economic and political relations between Egypt and the United States.

In a message he sent to the mission ahead of its departure to the United States, President Mubarak said that the mission's visit this year takes place in a significant timing, considering the Middle East tension in recent months.

The president referred to improvement in economic indications, including the decrease in foreign debts and inflation rate.

On the other hand, President Mubarak and US President George W. Bush will hold a session of talks on April 2 at the White House in Washington.

The talks will be followed by a lunch banquet in honour of President Mubarak. The summit will be preceded by meetings to be held by Mubarak in his residence in Blair House with US Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans and Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Mubarak will also meet with US Vice-President Dick Cheney, US Secretary of Defense Donald Ramsfield and National Security Advisor Condolezza Rice.