Washington appreciates Mubarak's leading role

US Ambassador in Cairo David Welch expressed his country's appreciation of the leading positive role played by Egypt and President Hosni Mubarak's political influence.

He said that President Mubarak is one of the staunchest supporters of the Middle East peace process, referring to full partnership between the two countries to realize peace and stability in the region.

In exclusive statements to Al-Akhbar newspaper, Welch underlined the importance of the visit President Mubarak will pay to the United States on June 5.

He described the visit as an extraordinary one that comes at the invitation of US President George W. Bush.

On the points of differences between Egypt and the US administration as far as the Palestinian issue is concerned, the American ambassador said that the points of concordance between the two countries are more than those of differences. He expressed his country's support for the idea of coexistence between the Palestinians and Israelis.

On economic relations between the two countries, Welch said Egypt and the United States have strong historic relations that rest on common interests. He referred to a growing Egyptian-US cooperation, noting the United States is Egypt's biggest trade partner as the volume of trade exchange hits $ 4 billion.

The United States is the second and biggest investor in Egypt, said Welch, pointing out that his country provided its best in order to support Egypt in a tough stage that hits its economy after the September 11 incidents.