Mubarak opens Islamic affairs higher council conference

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has called upon the Islamic states to maintain economic cooperation and counter world economic blocs. He stressed that comprehensive development is the only way for the Islamic world to get out the current bottleneck.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Egyptian al-Awqaf Minister Mahmoud Hamdi Zaqzouq, the Egyptian president said in the inauguration of the Islamic affairs higher council conference that the role played by Muslims in the contemporary world does not comply with the potentials of Muslims nor with their Islamic doctrine and history.

The conference is being held under the title "Towards a civilized project for the progress of the Islamic world," under the patronage of President Mubarak and with the participation of ministers and representatives for more than 50 countries, some 75 Arab and Islamic fronts as well as 180 figures from all over the world of Islamic communities in the five continents.

The conference opening ceremony was also attended by Imam of al-Azhar mosque Muhammad Sayed Tantawi, Pope Shenoudah of Alexandria and al-Karraza al-Murqeseyah patriarchy. The conference will last for four days.