Mubarak to visit Washington early next month

Egyptian President Mubarak will visit the United States early next month for talks with US President George W. Bush and senior US administration mainly Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice and a number of congressmen.

Talks will focus on the Middle East issue, current developments in the occupied lands, bilateral relations, combating terrorism and regional issues.

Washington is currently witnessing intensive contacts with Cairo for putting the final touches on the itinerary of the visit, during which the President will give a number of important interviews to US newspapers and TV networks.

The sources told Middle East News Agency MENA that a high level ministerial and media delegation will accompany the president during his important visit which will precede a tour to the Middle East by US Vice President Dick Cheney during the second half of March.

As for the economic aspect of the visit, President Mubarak is expected to meet Secretary of Commerce Donald Levans, US commercial representative Robet Zoolick, the President will have meetings with businessmen whether with the Egyptian US presidents council or chairmen of the biggest US companies.

Presidents Mubarak and Bush had recently exchanged a number of messages and had telephone conversations which focused on the exchange of information and made an assessment of ways whereby to bring calm back to the region, and resumption of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.

During the latest call to President Mubarak, President Bush expressed his gratitude for the leading role by President Mubarak for achieving peace in the region.

Meantime, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher is due in Washington early in March, within the framework of preparations for the anticipated visit to the United States by President Hosni Mubarak during the same month.

Maher will hold talks with US senior officials, including, Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice. He will meet Congressmen and have talks with officials of the Arab and Jewish organizations.