A warm welcome for Qatar's emir in Cairo

Upon arriving in Cairo on Monday, Qatari ruler Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani said his visit aims at settling disputes between Qatar and Egypt, adding that his visit will consolidate relations between the two countries.

At the airport the Qatari Emir was warmly welcomed by President Mubarak of Egypt, and the two leaders held their first session of talks at the Presidential palace.

In a statement following the meeting, Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said the two leaders discussed bilateral relations. He said that relations between the two countries are good. "There is no problem between Egypt and Qatar. Hopefully things will proceed well. We welcome the emir of Qatar and his companions because they are in their second country, Egypt," Moussa said.

Reflecting a similar attitude, a statement released by the Emir upon arriving at Cairo's airport said: "Doubtless, this visit is but an expression of the solid fraternal ties linking our two peoples, and our joint care to maintain continuous contacts and to exchange views on all issues of bilateral concern and on developments on the regional, Arab and international arenas."

He highlighted Egypt's position under the leadership of President Mubarak in "supporting just Arab and Islamic causes, foremost her sincere and relentless efforts to achieve Arab solidarity for the peace, welfare and security of our Arab nation," the statement added. Sheikh Hamad expressed confidence that his visit will yield positive results.

This is the first meeting between the two leaders since the mediation made for their reconciliation by the Saudi King last year.