The visit of President Hosni Mubarak to South Africa and his talks with President Thabo Mbeki is the first visit by an Egyptian president to South Africa. This visit confirmed that Egypt is interested in Africa and is keen to expand cooperation with the African continent. South Africa is a large African State thus there is a need to discuss with it peace and security issues and economic and social development between the two countries. South Africa is witnessing industrial and economic boom as it is the biggest country in the world in the mining sector and the second largest producer of gold and the fourth in diamond. Its exports reached $ 64 billion while its imports reached $ 80 billion.

Mubarak- Mbeki summit set a new basis for bilateral relations and strategic cooperation. Mbeki called on Egypt to provide technical support for his country in teaching, medicine and engineering.

President Mubarak also visited Uganda and held summit talks with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni about the future of Nile Basin Convention and cultivating Ugandan lands by Egyptian expertise.

Egypt is committed to supporting African issues.

Al Akhbar

3/8/2008