Mubarak confers with Patten

President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt on Monday in Cairo discussed with the foreign relations commissioner at the European Union Cress Patten developments of current conditions in the Middle East region and the deterioration in the occupied Palestinian territories as well as bilateral relations between Egypt and the European Union in light of the Euro- Egyptian partnership agreement.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher held a session of talks with Patten on developments in the Palestinian territories and the peace process as well as economic relations with the EU and the Egyptian-EU partnership agreement.

In a joint press conference late Sunday, Maher described his meeting with Patten as fruitful and said the EU adopts a positive stance over the process. He added that they did not discuss the Iraq crisis in detail but Egypt reiterated its stance seeking a solution within the framework of the UN.

On his part, Patten said the main aim of his visit is to discuss furthering bilateral relations in light of the association agreement. He added that talks touched on some important regional issues. "Relations with Egypt are of great importance to the EU as Egypt is key factor to maintain prosperity and stability in the Mediterranean Basin," Patten said. He added that talks also tackled means to speed up EU economic aid to Egypt.