Egypt, russia to sign nuke deal, discuss West Asia conflict

Moscow, Mar 24 (UNI) Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will arrive here on a two-day visit to hold talks on West Asia conflict and finalise a nuclear power deal with Russia.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit told mediapersons a bilateral nuclear power cooperation deal drawn up last week would be signed during the visit.

Egypt would soon announce a tender for the construction of its first nuclear power plant.

Mr Mubarak would also be seeking to bolster economic ties with Russia. ''There are big opportunities for expanding cooperation in the sphere of trade, investment, energy and tourism between our countries,'' RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.

The President will also discuss the ongoing violence in Iraq and international fears surrounding Iran's nuclear programme.

UNI XC SYU MIR VC1634