Press Release No. 12

13 February 2007

Visit of H.E. Ambassador C.R. Gharekhan, India’s Special Envoy for West Asia & the Middle East Peace Process to Cairo (10-12 February 2007)

    H. E. Ambassador C. R. Gharekhan, India’s Special Envoy for West Asia & the Middle East Peace Process, visited Cairo on 10-12 February 2007 as part of his tour of the region. Ambassador Gharekhan held consultations in other countries in the region prior to arriving in Cairo.

Ambassador Gharekhan called on H. E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minister of Foreign Affairs; H. E. Gen. Omar Soliman, Minister & Chief of General Intelligence Service; and, H. E. Ambassador Soliman Awad, Spokesman to the President. During the talks a comprehensive exchange of views took place on a wide range of issues pertaining to the situation in West Asia and the Gulf. Ambassador Gharekhan expressed appreciation for Egyptian efforts in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

Ambassador Gharekhan was also received by President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine, who had stopped in Cairo en route to Palestine from Mecca.  President Abbas apprised him of the agreement reached between Fatah and Hamas in Mecca. Ambassador Gharekhan welcomed this development.

Ambassador Gharekhan also called on H. E. Mr. Amre Moussa, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. H. E. Mr. Amre Moussa briefed Ambassador Gharekhan about the Arab League’s perspectives on the current situation in Lebanon, Iraq and the Middle East Peace Process.  The visiting Indian Special Envoy expressed his appreciation for the Arab League’s role, particularly in Lebanon.

*****