Mubarak, Zemin discuss situation in Palestinian territories

On the first day of his four-day visit to China, President Mubarak yesterday held two sessions of talks with Chinese President Jiang Zemin at the People's Palace in Beijing.

During those talks, President Mubarak explained a number of facts about what is taking place in the Palestinian territories, the Israeli practices against Palestinians and refuted claims raised by Israel from time to time.

The President also explained the details of the arms ship intercepted by Israel in the Red Sea and underway efforts for avoiding further deterioration in the occupied lands.

In this context, the Chinese President expressed his country's commitment to the just cause of the Arab world and expressed support for the Egyptian efforts which are aimed at avoiding further deterioration in the occupied lands.

Reports indicate that talks between the two leaders focused on:

Palestinian cause: President Mubarak asserted that security and stability can only be achieved through maintaining just rights of the Palestinians and the establishment of their independent state.

Combating terrorism: President Mubarak stressed the importance of convening an international conference on terrorism and its significance to the interests of the whole world.

In this context, the Chinese President expressed his country's support for Arab and Islamic countries in their efforts to reject the link between Islam and terrorism. The Chinese leader said combating terrorism necessitates reaching urgent solutions to lingering issues.

Integration of civilization: President Mubarak asserted integrity of civilizations. President Zemin said it is wrong to fabricate a conflict among civilizations and cultures.

Bilateral cooperation: Presidents Mubarak and Zemin underlined the need for reactivating strategic cooperation through mechanisms that achieve wider cooperation.

They also said the two sides should expand the volume of Egypt's exports to China and encouraged Chinese investments in Egypt.

President Zemin said China considers Egypt as the most important in the Arab world and African continent.

President Zemin expressed satisfaction with progress in relations between the two countries mainly after they signed the strategic cooperation agreement.