On the second day of the World Economic Forum, the political nature dominated the official sessions and the bilateral meetings among politicians and businessmen.

The Palestinian cause occupied a big part of intensive meetings held by President Mubarak with a number of leaders and officials taking part in the forum.

In this context, President Mubarak discussed yesterday with 21/5/2006 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas the developments in the occupied Palestinian territories and efforts exerted by President Mubarak to communicate assistance to the Palestinian people, efforts to settle inter-Palestinian disagreements as well as efforts by President Mubarak for resuming Palestinian-Israeli meetings.

The Palestinian President briefed President Mubarak on the developments on the Palestinian arena and efforts exerted to contain disagreements among Palestinian factions.

Mubarak receives Livni

President Mubarak, for the second time, Sunday 21/5/2006 received Deputy Israeli Premier and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni for completing talks they held early yesterday in presence of the two countries delegations.

"Livni wanted to raise topics she could not discuss with the President at the early meeting especially those related to the situation in the Palestinian territories and the developments brought about by the new Israeli elections and the formation of a Hamas-led Palestinian government,"said ambassador Soliman Awwad, the Presidential spokesman.

Livni said Egypt plays a key role in political dialogue between Israel and Hamas on one side and between Israel and the Palestinian Authority chairman on the other.

Mubarak receives Lahoud

President Mubarak received Lebanese President Emile Lahoud who made a briefing on the Lebanese and regional developments.

During the meeting, Lahoud said Lebanon welcomes any effort to enhance security and stability between Lebanon and Syria.

Mubarak receives Fouad Seniora

President Mubarak received Sunday21/5/2006 Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora, who takes part in the World Economic Forum.

The two sides tackled the latest developments in the region, particularly on the Lebanese arena with emphasis on Lebanese- Syrian relations and the Palestinian territories.

Seniora described the meeting as "fruitful", noting that he posted Mubarak on the conditions in Lebanon and listened to his views on various issues.

The Lebanese Premier highlighted Egypt's continued support to his country; adding that he would keep contacts with Mubarak, especially on Lebanese issue.

Seniora said he posted Mubarak on offensive by armed refugees in Lebanon, noting that they opened fire at Lebanese citizens and army personnel.

Meantime, he noted that the United Nations Security Council recently issued a resolution calling for establishing diplomatic ties between Lebanon and Syria.

Mubarak receives Turkish Prime Minister

President Mubarak held a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Talks took up bilateral relations, developmenmts on the Palestinian and Israeli arenas and the Iranian nuclear file.

The two leaders also followed up on Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer's recent visit to Cairo and a proposed visit by Mubarak to Turkey.

Mubarak receives Malysian Premier Abdullah Badawi

Mubarak also received Malysian Premier Abdullah Badawi, said the Presidential spokesman, adding that the two leaders discussed regional and international developments.

Mubarak receives US Secretary of Treasury

The President later received US Secretary of the Treasury, John W. Snow who listened to Mubarak's views on the Iranian nuclear standoff and the situation in Iraq.

On Iran, Mubarak said the diplomatic channels must be used to settle the crisis, highlighting efforts exerted by the EU and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in this domain.

US Secretary of Treasury John Snow on Sunday21/5/2006 lauded as genuine the financial reforms carried out by the Egyptian government.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Finance Minister Youssef Botros Ghali, the US official praised customs reforms.

Ghali said the GS and the 3D-member Middle East and North African group in the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) discussed on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum reform initiatives in the region.

Talks also took up the impact of rising oil prices on Middle East economies and reforms in the financial and banking fields.

During all his meetings, President Mubarak stressed the risks of a military solution to the standoff, said Awwad.

Mubarak receives two US Congressmen

"Mubarak met two US Congressmen for talks on the latest developments in the region," said presidential Spokesman Suliman Awwad.

Talks also took up bilateral ties and cooperation, he added. The Senators congratulated the President on the successful WEF session organized by Egypt.

The meeting was attended by Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit and US Ambassador Francis Ricciardone.

At the plenary session which was attended by the premiers of Egypt, Turkey, Malaysian and Lebanon, the participants stressed the importance of enhancing understanding among peoples and governments in order to avoid wars and conflicts.

The participants addressed an important message to the world renewing the willingness of Arab and Islamic peoples to maintain world peace and security.

A special session was held on the future of the Arab- American relations with Congressmen renewing the desire of the U.S. people to establish balanced and strong relations with the Arab world.