Egypt commits its support to Iraq to restore peace, stability

Egypt made a strong commitment Sunday to its support to restore peace and stability in the war- torn country Iraq as Iraqi Prime Minster Nouri al-Maliki paid an official visit to Egypt.

At a joint press conference with Maliki after their meeting,

Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazef said Egypt supports all efforts exerted by the Iraqi government to achieve national reconciliation among all the Iraqi factions.

He also condemned terrorism in the country, which does not differentiate between anyone.

On his part, the Iraqi prime minister held al-Qaida in Iraq responsible for the continuing violence in his country but denied Iraq is in a civil or sectarian war.

He voiced support to the role of Egyptian companies in Iraq's reconstruction.

Maliki, who met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak earlier in the day, termed the meetings as "positive" and "comprehensive."

Starting his first visit to Egypt as prime minister earlier in the day, Maliki was also expected to meet Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa in the day.

After visiting Egypt, Maliki will fly to Kuwait and other regional countries for preparatory talks ahead of the upcoming conferences on Iraq to be held in Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on May 3-4.

His regional tour aims to rally support for his government and its efforts to reduce widespread sectarian violence in the country.

Iraq's neighboring countries conference will also be attended by Egypt along with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and the G8 members.

Another international meeting of the International Compact with Iraq, a framework agreement for foreign donors to contribute to Iraqi reconstruction and development projects, would also be held in Egypt.

Source: Xinhua