STATEMENT BY AMRE MOUSSA,
FOREIGN MINISTER OF EGYPT

Cairo, Egypt

17 April 2001

Excerpts

Minister of Foreign Affairs Amre Moussa expressed hope for reaching settlement between Iraq and Kuwait in favor of Arab solidarity. In a statement before leaving Kuwait, today, Foreign Minister Moussa said he was optimistic on possible light at the end of the tunnel -- with regard to Iraqi-Kuwaiti relations -- stressing, in this context, the definite need for such a light.

We are moving steadily toward this hopeful end, he added with a view to maintaining security and stability in Kuwait, and equally important the prosperity and stability of the Iraqi people.

He also pointed out negotiations undertook by many Arab parties for further integration of Arab solidarity, stepping up contacts in this direction for a solid-rock Arab world capable of overcoming obstacles facing its peace process.

Concerning the third session of the higher Egyptian-Kuwaiti committee, which concluded its work today, Foreign Minister Moussa expressed satisfaction with concluded recommendations, and his meetings with Kuwaiti high officials. Joint committee meetings were exceptionally marked by the attendance of the Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Atef Ebeid.

A number of issues of common interest were discussed, such as joint trade projects, further enhancement of trade exchange between the two countries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Amre Moussa headed the Egyptian side at the joint committee meetings, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad headed the Kuwaiti side.