Suleiman and Barak on Monday
Photo: Ariel Hermoni, Defense Ministry
Suleiman meets Barak: Need stable, calm region
Egyptian intelligence minister meets Israeli defense minister, says 'our friendship can resolve problems in future.' Barak: 'Egypt is largest, most important Arab country to forge peace with Israel'
Amid tensions with Syria and Lebanon, and stalled talks over the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit, Egyptian Intelligence Minister Omar Suleiman arrived on Monday for a visit in Israel.
Suleiman met with Defense Minister Ehud Barak in his Tel Aviv bureau and said "we need a calm and stable region."
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The senior official stressed that the two neighbors "must discuss all the issues that are bothering the Israelis, the Egyptians, and the entire region.
"I thank Minister Barak for inviting me, and believe that our friendship can resolve further problems in the future," Suleiman added.
Barak expressed his satisfaction with the Egyptian visitor, and said, "I am happy to host Minister Suleiman. Egypt is the largest and most important Arab country to forge peace with Israel, and is the central pillar of the reality in the Middle East and in Africa.
"We expect to hold practical and productive talks over political matters, as well as matters pertaining to regional challenges," he said.
