CAIRO: Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are looking to boost already strong economic ties, Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak said last month during a tour of the Gulf region. He added that he is working closely with UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan to push bilateral ties ahead, Global Arab Network reports according to Egyptian Sources. The UAE has attained marked progress in its development process, said Mubarak. The remarks last month came on the occasion marking the 39th national day of the Gulf state. Mubarak said that Egypt is very much happy with the success of the UAE development process. The Egyptians, he added, are following up with much admiration all efforts of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa for upgrading the development efforts in his country. Mubarak also expressed satisfaction with the regional role played by the UAE within the framework of the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council along with the Organization of the Islamic Conference. As for bilateral relations, Mubarak said the two countries maintain high level consultations and coordination over key Arab issues, atop of which comes the security of the Gulf region, which is considered Egypt's strategic depth and its security is part and parcel of Egypt's national security. BM
