Given his deep interest in promoting democracy and broadening the political participation of the elements truly capable of building bridges with the people, President Hosni Mubarak yesterday chaired a meeting of the General Secretariat of the National Democratic Party. Discussed were preparations of the 9th party congress set for November 3 and issues to be dealt with there.

The President underlined the necessity that all issues should be realistic and should stand high on the public's list of priorities. Attention, he said, should be given to economic reforms, increasing exports and providing greater work opportunities.

Mubarak also called for more interest to be given to youth and women as well as to multiplying investments in Upper Egypt and developing agriculture and services.

The President further described as essential the need to communicate with the public in order to identify its needs.

Editorial
Al-Ahram
August 14, 2007