Egypt - Australian discussions

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa received yesterday David Dutshi, the Australian first assistant foreign minister, who is currently visiting Cairo.

The meeting was attended by assistant foreign ministers Mohammed El-Orabi and Nagi El-Ghatrifi as well as Mohammed Eleish, manager of Australia's administration in the Foreign Ministry.

Dutshi said after the meeting that, "It was a good chance to discuss the different sides of bilateral relations, especially means of increasing Egyptian exports to Australia," aiming at improving the commercial balance between the two countries which is largely in Australia's favor.

He added that he informed Moussa about the developments in East Timor and Indonesia, saying that the discussions also tackled the situation in the Middle East and the peace process in this area.

Dustshi also said he presented to Moussa his and his government's condolences for the victims of the EgyptAir flight 990 crash and his condolences for the families of the victims.