Clinton seeks Mubarak's help in Mideast peace process

Mubarak and Clinton before their meeting at the White House

March 28, 2000
Web posted at: 12:42 p.m. EST (1742 GMT)

From Correspondent Kathleen Koch

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In meetings in Washington on Tuesday, U.S. President Bill Clinton was looking for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's "insights and assistance" in moving the Mideast peace process forward, according to White House Press Secretary Joe Lockhart.

The two leaders were expected to talk for 45 minutes before breaking for lunch and an afternoon of meetings to also include Vice President Al Gore and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Arabs and Egyptian-Americans will be invited to discuss issues affecting their communities during one of the meetings in the Cabinet room.

	AUDIO
Mubarak talks to reporters before meeting President Clinton 790k/35 sec. AIFF or WAV sound

Lockhart said Mubarak "occupies a very unique position of leadership in the region."

He explained that Clinton and Mubarak would discuss the status of peace negotiations and what the two countries could do to encourage progress.

Lockhart said the two leaders would also discuss economic cooperation between the two countries. Egypt is the second largest recipient of U.S. international aid.

For more Middle East news, myCNN.com will bring you news from the areas and subjects you select.

See related sites about Middle East

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.