Meeting With President
Hosni Mubarak
(March 12, 1985)
President
Reagan. I have enjoyed this opportunity
to host President Mubarak and to exchange views with him on issues of
mutual interest and importance to Egypt and the United States.
As close friends and partners in peace, we've had a
good discussion, including a thorough review of developments in the
Middle East area. The substantial economic and military assistance that
we're requesting for Egypt reflects our strong commitment to Egypt's
security and economic well-being.
Earlier this morning our representatives signed agreements
which will result in $215 million in U.S. assistance to support rehabilitation
of Egypt's infrastructure, $300 million in balance-of-payments support
which will enable Egypt to buy needed goods from the United States.
Egypt faces economic difficulties, and as your friend and full partner
in the Middle East peace process, we'll be giving careful and sympathetic
consideration to what we might do to help.
A major focus of our talks today was how to broaden
the historic Middle East peace process. And Egypt's experience as peacemaker
and your leadership in the region uniquely suits you to help build new
bridges of understanding, confidence, hope, and trust.
Recently, President Mubarak, you've made suggestions
which have helped renew interest in the peace process. I regard them
as a positive contribution, and I appreciate the constructive spirit
in which you offered them. We note particularly your realistic assessment
that the path to peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors is through
direct negotiations.
The United States continues to believe that such negotiations
should take place on the basis of United Nations Security Council Resolution
242, which provides both for the restoration of Arab land and the right
of Israel, as all states in the region, to live in peace within secure
and recognized borders. As reaffirmed in my initiative of September
1st, 1982, the United States also believes that the outcome of this
process must recognize the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
Let us hope that the positive trends that have recently
begun in the region will be strengthened and, that with Egypt's valued
help, they will open the path to direct negotiations. In the full knowledge
that the parties are still a long way from the negotiating table, the
United States takes an active interest in these developments, and we'll
support the parties' efforts to build on this promising beginning.
The road to peace in the Middle East has been long,
frustrating, and marked by great tragedy. Fortunately there have also
been great achievements, such as the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty,
which reminds us that success is possible -- it's not only possible,
it's imperative.
I reassured President Mubarak of the commitment of
the United States and my personal commitment to work with Egypt and
our other friends in the area to achieve a just and lasting peace.
I thank you, and God bless you.
President
Mubarak. President Reagan, it was a great
pleasure to meet with you once again, in the spirit of friendship and
the fraternity which characterizes our relations.
As ever, I found the conversations were most constructive
and rewarding. Our friendly meeting today reaffirmed my belief that
you are a man of honor and vision. It's a good omen that our meeting
today coincides with the 150th anniversary of the establishment of relations
between our two countries. Throughout these years we have endeavored
to set up a model for cooperation among nations. Our bilateral relations
are moving from good to excellent. We encounter no problems in setting
the stage for more cooperation, which is equally profitable.
We conduct our relations on the basis of mutual respect
and profound understanding. Your appreciation of the efforts the Egyptian
people are exerting on the road of economic development and reform is
recognized by every Egyptian. On the other hand, your commitment to
peace and justice in our part of the world is unwavering. I am pleased
to note that we agree, together, on the centrality of the Palestinian
question to the situation in the Middle East. It is the key to progress
and the source of despair and tension. Hence, we should devote ourselves
to reaching a just and honorable solution, therefore, without delay.
I believe that no nation is more qualified than America
to support the Palestinian peoples' right to self-determination. This
is a stand that is consistent with the American heritage and values.
This country was founded on the principle that all men are equal and
were created by God Almighty to live in freedom and dignity.
I also believe that no leader is more equipped to play
an historic role and fulfill a sacred mission in the Middle East. Destiny
has chosen you to lead this great nation at a time when a golden opportunity
for peace is emerging.
The Jordanian-Palestinian agreement to pursue a peaceful
settlement is a major development that should not be discounted or discarded.
We cannot afford another missed opportunity for peace, and not during
your Presidency. I'm confident that the United States will act without
delay in order to keep the momentum going and to pave the way for further
progress. We have discussed the variety of available options for following
up this move.
In the months ahead we shall work together as faithful
partners on the road to peace. We shall persevere in our drive which
aims at bridging the gap existing between the positions of the parts
and ushering in a new era of peace and reconciliation.
We realize that the task is difficult and the challenge
is great, but the cause is greater. President Reagan, during the past
few years you offered your help to African countries suffering from
the drought and famine; this has been appreciated by fellow Africans.
May I suggest that the United States champions a worldwide effort to
cope with the problem on a long-term basis. May I also express our confidence
that the United States will spare no effort in order to help end the
plight of our brothers in southern Africa and secure the immediate independence
of Namibia.
Again, Mr. President, thank you, dear friend, and I'm
looking forward to meeting with you again in pursuit of our common goals,
and thank you.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |