Moussa receives coordinator of Swiss initiative for commercial cooperation

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa received Arther Dancul, the coordinator of the special Swiss initiative for commercial cooperation between the countries of the Middle East and North Africa.

He said there was a comprehensive estimation of the Middle East peace process, especially concerning the Swiss initiative, adding that there is joint optimism toward the peace process, and, "We are looking forward to the steps that should be taken between the Palestinians and Israelis, especially as concerns the economic relationships." He said that what will be achieved in this field between the two parties will affect the other parties in the area: Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

On the other hand, he said, "The Swiss initiative aims basically at invigorating bilateral commercial relations, which participate in creating a basis for peaceful relations among the other parties."

He added that the experience of the European Union, which started after the World War II with participation of old enemies, changed now to become one of the most important relations of friendship in the European continent, and this is the same content as the Swiss initiative's idea for commercial and economic cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa.

He added that supporting commercial and economic relations among the area's countries will contribute to boosting peaceful relations among these countries, adding that Switzerland attempts to achieve that now through this initiative and with cooperation with the different parties, in light of the new phase which is confirmed by the existence of "new Israeli stances that make us hope to overcome what we faced in the last year."

He said his visit to Egypt came during his tour of the area, as he will also visit Jordan, Israel, and Ramallah.