By Xinhua
Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt) : US President George W. Bush left the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt Wednesday afternoon, wrapping up his eight-day Middle East visit that aimed at winning Arab support for a peace deal and isolating Iran.
Before leaving Egypt, the US president said at a press conference jointly with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak that the US has “a long-standing friendship with Egypt,” which has a long history of culture.
Bush expressed his appreciation for the invitation of the Egyptian side, saying he respects the history, traditions and culture of the country.
On the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Bush said that “nations in the neighbourhood are willing to help Israelis and Palestinians reach a peace deal.”
He underlined that he would remain engaged in the Middle East peacemaking, and return to the region.
For his part, Mubarak endorsed US hopes for an Israeli-Palestinian peace plan this year and said he would work hand in hand with the US and other nations to make it happen.
On the Lebanese political crisis, Bush said, “It’s important to encourage the holding of immediate and unconditional presidential elections according to the Lebanese constitution.”
He also called on Syria, Iran and their allies not to interfere in the affairs of Lebanon and not to undermine the election process.
Earlier this week, Bush kicked off his first presidential visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories and later to four Gulf Arab countries to shore up supports for the revived Middle East peace process and against Iran.