Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak sent a warm thank you letter to Shas spiritualleader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef in response to the latter's "get well" card sent two weeks ago in the wake of reports of Mubarak's deteriorating health.
In the letter, addressed to "dear friend and great Rabbi Ovadia Yosef," Mubarak commented on his health status as well as Israeli reports thathe suffers from cancer and said he was in great shape and "fully recovered."
The Egyptian leader had received Rabbi Yosef's note during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent visit to Cairo, according to Mubarak's letter.
"I convey my appreciation and thank you dearly for the content, wishes and heartfelt emotions contained in your letter and wish to put your mind at ease: I am fully recovered and in the best condition – contrary to several reports in the Israeli press," the letter noted.
"I look forward to cooperation on the promotion of the peace process, together with all those who believe in peace."
Rabbi Yosef served as Cairo religious court chief and Egypt's deputy chief rabbi between the years 1947-1950. During this time he was greatly appreciated in Israel for refusing to make anti-Zionist statements.
Roee Nahmias contributed to this report