Egypt backs US, Mubarak tells Bush

US President George W. Bush receives Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher on Wednesday for consultations on the best means to deal with the crisis resulting from the attacks on Washington and New York a couple of weeks ago.

The meeting, to be held at the White House, will be attended by National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice and Egypt's Ambassador to the United States Nabil, Fahmy.

"Maher, who will arrive in Washington early on Wednesday, will carry a message from President Hosni Mubarak on the recent incidents," said Fahmy.

Meanwhile, President Mubarak's message contains Egypt's strong backing of US efforts to combat terrorism.

The meeting will be preceded by talks between Maher and Secretary of State Colin Powell. Maher will also meet, during his 48-hour visit, State Department Policy Planning Director Richard Haas and other officials.

The Bush administration is intensifying contacts with active regional and international parties, including Egypt, to probe means of combatting international terrorism.