PRESIDENT Hosni Mubarak held talks with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan on Tuesday on the Middle East peace process and bilateral relations. During the meeting, the presidents discussed international efforts underway to establish security and stability in the region in line with international resolutions as well as the Arab peace initiative. Mubarak and Sheikh Khalifa also reviewed ways of enhancing bilateral relations, especially in economy, trade and investment. They reiterated the need for joint Arab coordination and consultation on issues concerning Arabs and Muslims. Mubarak, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday on an official two- day visit, was welcomed by Sheikh Khalifa and other senior UAE officials. Mubarak said the visit comes within the framework "of the distinguished and historic relations between the two countries". He said talks focussed on cooperation in various domains. Aboard the presidential plane en route to the UAE, Mubarak told chief editors of Egyptian newspapers, "Egypt is sparing no effort in protecting its borders," adding, "Egypt rejects any foreign presence on the land of Sinai and will not allow any party to impose itself in its internal affairs." He said Egypt strongly rejects the siege imposed by Israel on the Palestinian people and is exerting all efforts to ease the suffering of the Palestinian people. Settling the issue of the Rafah crossing point should be reached in line with the agreement signed in 2005 between the Palestinian Authority and the European Union, he said. He underlined the importance of creating a favourable atmosphere for holding next month's Arab summit in Damascus, and urged all parties in Lebanon to reach a consensus over electing a new president. On possible US plans to launch a military strike against Iran, Mubarak strongly rejected any military solution to the Iranian crisis with the United States. He also warned of maintaining the US presence in Iraq. The continued presence of US and other foreign troops in Iraq will lead to more terrorist acts in the country and harm the security of the entire region, he said.
