Mubarak begins three-nation tour to Russia, China, Kazakhstan

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Wednesday left here for Moscow, starting a three-nation tour that includes also China and Kazakhstan, the official news agency MENA reported.

Mubarak is expected to stay in Russia for two days and flies to Beijing on Nov. 3, where he will attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, scheduled for Nov. 3-5, and make a state visit to China following the summit. After China, Mubarak will visit Kazakhstan.

Mubarak is accompanied by a high-ranking delegation that includes Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit, Information Minister Ahmad Nabih el-Fekki, Minister of Trade and Industry Rachid Mohamed Rachid, Minister of Investment Mahmoud Mohieddin, head of the Presidential Cabinet Zakaria Azmi and intelligence chief Omar Suleiman, according to MENA.

Abdel Raouf el-Reedy, Chairman of the Egyptian Council of Foreign Affairs, said Mubarak's tour of Russia, China and Kazakhstan is of utmost importance, said MENA.

It will open new windows and tracks for Egyptian drive on the international arena in the service of Egyptian and Arab interests and regional peace and security, Reedy said.

Mubarak's visits to these countries have not only political significance, but also economic, he added.

Source: Xinhua