egypr/australia

April 29 ,2005
Abul Gheit receives Australian minister

Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit received yesterday visiting Australian Defence Minister Robert Hill. During the meeting, the two sides probed the latest Mideast developments.

Abul Gheit asserted that both the Palestinians and the Israelis should accelerate the implementation of understandings reached during Sharm El Sheikh Summit held in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh on February 8.

He also reiterated that the international community should offer support to the Palestinian Authority (PA) in order to boost the Palestinian economy which would in turn help assuage the sufferings of the Palestinians.

Talks also took up the situation in Sudan. Abul Gheit highlighted the importance of maintaining Sudan's unity and stability, saying that Sudan should overcome its current impasse.

Abul Gheit further warned of the risks of pressurizing Sudan saying that this would endanger the situation. In statements following the meeting, the Australian minister termed his talks with Abul Gheit as fruitful saying that Egypt is an important strategic partner in the region.

Hill said that his talks with Abul Gheit took up an array of issues of mutual concern, as both sides voiced their countries' common interest in settling the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

They also probed the situation in Sudan, along with Australia's role in this regard. The Australian minister lauded the deep-rooted ties binding Egypt and Australia and praised Egypt's pivotal role in the Middle East which in turn contributes to regional stability.

He further asserted his country's keenness on listening to the Egyptian view vis-a-vis the latest regional developments.