Mubarak calls for a new world order

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has expressed hopes that a new world order will emerge based on justice and equality.

AFP quoted Mubarak, who is currently on a five-day official visit to China, as saying in a speech he delivered at Beijing University that the new world order should permit the establishment of justice and equality between the countries of the northern and southern hemispheres, especially in the area of foreign trade and the question of debts in order to ensure the stability of financial markets.

Meanwhile, President Mubarak met in Beijing (Peking) on Tuesday the Chinese vice President Hu Jintao and discussed with him bilateral relations between the two countries in various fields.

Egypt and China on Monday following President Mubarak's arrival at Beijing called in a joint statement for making reforms in the UN Security Council. The two countries underlined the great importance they pin on the role played by the UN to preserve peace and security in the world.

Following his talks with the Chinese prime minister and with President Jiang Zemin, President Mubarak signed a series of cooperation agreements in the areas of transportation, agriculture, the economy, technology and tourism.

Egyptian Information Minister Safwat al-Sharif said, "The meeting between President Mubarak and the Chinese vice president asserted the need to revitalize strategic cooperation agreement between the two countries during the forthcoming century."

Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao described President Mubarak's visit to China as "successful on the political and economic fields." He asserted his country's chances to develop cooperation with Egypt which "succeeded in achieving a unique economic accomplishment in giving top priority to the social dimension and made of Egypt an area of attraction for capitals."

In the meantime, Chinese and Egyptian businessmen held a joint meeting on Tuesday. The Egyptian side was chaired by Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal al-Ganzouri. The two sides discussed economic conditions and the facilities provided by the Egyptian government, set by the law to encourage foreign investments in the country.

Mubark completed his activities in Beijing by holding a conclusive session of discussions with Chinese President Jiang Zemin at Mubarak's residence there. President Mubark also met with Chinese businessmen at his residence.

Mubarak also received an honorary doctorate at Beijing University.