US - Egyptian economic discussions in Cairo

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa met with US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Alan Larson, who said after the meeting that he discussed the US - Egyptian partnership through the Gore - Mubarak initiative and its role in pushing forward the goal of economic development in Egypt.

He added that a discussion took place regarding the coming ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization in the coming month and what it could present to support Egypt's economical goals.

Egyptian Minister of State for Environment Nadia Makram Ebeid, who attended a lunch banquet held for the US guest and his accompanying delegation, said, "The discussion tackled the main challenge confronting Egypt, which is finding balance between the development operations and maintaining the environment at the same time."