Mubarak Discusses Iraq and Attends Red Square Concert

AP ^ | May 31, 2004

[Tailgunner Joe]

President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Friday discussed Iraq, the Middle East conflict and closer cooperation between Russia and the Arab world -- and then attended a concert on Red Square.

Mubarak, who arrived Thursday on a two-day visit at Putin's invitation, lauded bilateral relations at the start of his Kremlin talks with Putin, saying they "continue now to grow."

Putin called Mubarak "our personal friend, connected to our country by a special relationship including the years spent here during your studies" -- a reference to Mubarak's training as a military pilot in the Soviet Union.

The two leaders wrapped up their talks by issuing a joint call for giving broad powers to the caretaker Iraqi administration that is to take over from the United States on June 30.

"It has been a long time since Moscow and Cairo needed each other so much," Kommersant commented Friday. "The Arab world, frightened by the aggressive behavior of the current U.S. administration, is looking for support wherever it can. In this situation, Moscow is counting on returning to its strong position in the Middle East."

Putin and Mubarak attended a Friday evening concert on Red Square by Russia's most famous baritone, Dmitri Hvorostovsky.

On Saturday, Putin thanked Hvorostovsky for his performance during a meeting at the presidential residence in Novo-Ogaryovo, outside Moscow.

Hvorostovsky called the concert "one of the biggest achievements" of his life. "I'm thankful to you that my dream has come true," he said to Putin.