Mubarak visits South Africa to promote bilateral ties

JOHANNESBURG, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak started Monday his first state visit to South Africa and will on Tuesday hold bilateral political, economic and trade discussions with South African President Thabo Mbeki in Pretoria.

Mbeki will host the Egyptian president on this historic state visit, which is scheduled to finish on Wednesday, with a view to further strengthening and consolidating bilateral political, economic and trade relations between the two countries, the South African Press Association reported.

South Africa hopes to build on Egypt's support for the African Agenda, including the promotion of sustainable social and economic development, conflict-prevention, conflict resolution and peacekeeping and greater integration on the continent, according to the report.