Egypt renews support for the Palestinian cause

Egyptian and Palestinian officials concluded yesterday meetings of the joint high committee under the chairmanship of Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa and Palestinian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Nabil Shaath that followed the meetings of the preparatory committee held from March 14 - 16, 1999.

In the framework of the Egyptian - Palestinian Joint Committee's review of political, regional and international developments, it stressed the importance of continue work to enhance Arab solidarity based on adherence on the Arab League's charter and cooperation as well as to Arab joint coordination in all fields.

At the end of the committee's works, they signed the report of the joint committee and a cooperation agreement for education. In a press conference, Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said the endorsed agreements aim at boosting bilateral cooperation.

Regarding peace process in Middle East, the two sides stated the importance of reaching a comprehensive permanent and just peace in Middle East based on international legitimacy including Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and the land-for-peace principle as ratified by Madrid conference, as well as Security Council resolution 425.

"The independent Palestinian state will soon be declared and will get a full support from Egypt. What we are doing now is to build up the Palestinian institutions in anticipation of this day," Shaath said.