Mubarak, Saudi monarch discuss regional issues
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (Agencies)
Talks between Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Saudi King Abdullah in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria have focused on regional developments and boosting bilateral ties.
"The two leaders discussed the range of Arab issues, including recent developments on the Palestinian front... developments in Lebanon and the confrontation between the West and Iran over its nuclear file," Egyptian presidential spokesman Suleiman Awad told reporters, following the talks late on Friday.
The two leaders also discussed bilateral trade which has increased to 2.8 billion dollars annually, Awad said.
He said the two leaders discussed Egypt's invitation to Palestinian factions to hold talks in Cairo, adding that "we are waiting to receive answers from all the Palestinian factions before we set a date (for the inter-Palestinian talks)."
With regards the Iranian nuclear crisis, Awad called on Tehran to adopt a "principle of transparency" with regards its nuclear activities, urging the West "not to drag the whole region into a dangerous situation."
President Mubarak met with Oman's Sultan Qaboos on Thursday and is due to meet Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora on Saturday.