Mubarak discuses with US ambassador Palestine, Iraq, Sudan

Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak yesterday received US ambassador in Cairo Francis Ricciardone, who said following the meeting that he discussed with President Mubarak a wide array of issues of interest to the region and Egyptian- US relations.

Ricciardone said that the United States and Egypt have common interests which require US support for development and economic growth in Egypt.

He also said that the United States supports political and economic reforms in Egypt adding that the United States supports Egypt militarily as this serves the stability of the whole region.

He said supporting Egypt's would defenses enhance the interests of the region and the United States. For his part, Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul- Gheit described the Egyptian- American relations as "strategic" between a pivotal and the most influential country in the Middle East and the only superpower in the world. He said such relations were based on mutual respect and a joint resolve to achieve peace, stability and development in the region and the whole world.

Press spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Alaa El Hadidi said Abul -Gheit asserted during the meeting that US assistance to Egypt could not possibly be a shorthand for the vaster bilateral relations.

The Egyptian top diplomat reiterated that the Egyptian people believed in development in line with their own priorities without any interference in their domestic affairs, the spokesman added.

The Egyptian people also pride themselves on the neutrality, independence and integrity of their judicial institution he said.

The spokesman said Abul- Gheit invited the US delegation to seize the opportunity of their visit to Cairo to get a first- hand experience of the nature and interests of the Egyptian society and the challenges facing it, with the goal of removing any misunderstandings about conditions in Egypt or the region.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman said Abu-Gheit highlighted Egypt's role in pushing forward efforts to achieve peace, security and stability in the region, especially with regard to the situation in Iraq and Sudan, resuming the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, and spreading moderate and tolerant values in order to achieve progress and prosperity for the peoples of the region.

Hadidi, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman, said the US delegation expressed appreciation of the Egyptian side and the friendly relations binding the two countries.

The American delegates affirmed the necessity of dialogue and mutual understanding vis-a-vis various issues of interest so as to consolidate ties between the Egyptian and the American societies.