Economic interests, trade exchange, boosting investments and generating greater opportunities of employment is the motor behind Egyptian activities at the regional and international levels at present. President Mubarak's visit to Poland and the talks held with his Polish counterpart in Warsaw Mr. Lech Kaczynski falls within that context.

During the talks, a review was made of political conditions at the international and regional levels. Special attention was given to the Middle East conflict, the peace process, the situation in the occupied territories, Lebanon and Iraq and Egyptian-European relations. The goal was to coordinate the two countries' stances. Attention was also focused on promoting cooperation between in the economic field.

It is important at this point to note the key role Poland plays on the international and European scene. The country has a distinguished position within the 12 Eastern European countries which have recently joined the EU.

Poland also stands witness to an economic revival. It has walked the extra mile towards shifting gears from state-run socialism to free-market economy. Poland has also transformed from a totalitarian regime to a multi-party democracy, which makes for great similarities with Egypt.

Hence the importance of President Mubarak's visit to Poland. Once the seat of the Warsaw Pact, it now plays an effective role in the European Union and in NATO.

Mohammad Barakat
Al-Akhbar