Beatrice talks in Cairo

Queen Beatrice of the Netherlands will start immediate talks with Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak when she arrives in Egypt on November 17 for a three-day visit.

Their discussion will center on the Middle East peace crisis, Europe's role in unlocking the process and the expansion of bilateral links, particularly in economy, said the Dutch ambassador in Cairo yesterday. The Netherlands ranks second, after the U.S in farming exports to Egypt.

The envoy said his country was supporting president Mubarak's efforts to clear the way for the peace process to restart. Consultations are underway between the European union, Egypt and the parties concerned to help establish peace in the region, he added, according to Al Akhbar daily.