US congressman underlines Egypt's experience in combating terror

A US House of Representatives' anti-terrorism and national security sub-committee met with President Hosni Mubarak Thursday at the republican palace in Heliopolis.

Emerging from the meeting, Saxby Chambliss, head of the subcommittee, said the meeting was excellent, expressing appreciation of the efforts exerted by Egypt and its great cooperation in a number of issues.

Chambliss referred to the sub-committee's interest in the issue of combating terrorism and the Egyptian experience in this regard.

On his part, US Ambassador in Cairo David Welch said the sub-committee delegation's visit to Egypt falls within a tour including Syria, Jordan and Israel.

The meeting offered a chance for the representatives of the American people to express their appreciation of Egypt and President Mubarak as well as Cairo's support for Washington in combating terror, said Welch.

The meeting also took up regional issues of mutual interest as the members voiced the United States' keenness on continuing efforts to adopt a peaceful settlement between the Palestinians and Israelis, he said.

Welch noted that the visit ushers a good new year and falls within intensive visits by the American government officials and Congressmen to Egypt since the September 11 incidents.

The US ambassador expressed relief over the strong relations and cooperation between Egypt and the United States.

USAID Director in Egypt, Willard Pearson told reporters that Egypt will always remain a strategic ally and a friend of USA, especially after the common understanding and cooperation in the US-led anti-terror war.