Mubarak and Reagan Reaffirm Commitment to Camp David, JTA, Feb. 5, 1982.

President Reagan and President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt ended their two days of talks at the White House today as they began them yesterday, with pledges of continued U.S.-Egyptian friendship and cooperation and a reaffirmation of their governments’ commitment to the Camp David peace process.

Both men emerged to sunny skies after a 30-minute talk in the Oval Office, calling their two days of discussions “fruitful.” Mubarak repeated his invitation to President and Mrs. Reagan to visit Egypt.

The President, in bidding farewell to the Egyptian leader, stressed the close ties that have been established between their countries. “Foremost among these ties is a belief in and commitment to a peaceful solution to the Arab-Israeli dispute,” Reagan said. He said that “President Mubarak has assured us that Egypt remains committed to a peaceful solution of this conflict and to that end will spare no effort to achieve a comprehensive peace as set forth in the Camp David agreement.”

Reagan stressed that he and Mubarak “reaffirmed our commitment to press ahead with the autonomy talks in order to reach agreement on a ‘Declaration of Principles’ which is the best means of making tangible progress toward a solution of the Palestinian problem in all its aspects as envisioned by Camp David.”

Mubarak, in reply, welcomed “the reaffirmation (of) the continuation of the U.S. role as a full partner in the peace process. We are determined to pursue our peace efforts until a comprehensive settlement is reached according to the Camp David accords,” he said.

Discussion of ‘Mutual Concerns’

Reagan noted that during their two days of talks, he and Mubarak also discussed “mutual concerns” about strategic threats to the region and devoted a good deal of time to discussing U.S. economic and military assistance to Egypt.

Neither in the welcoming ceremonies yesterday nor in today’s departure statements were the two Presidents specific about what they will do toward achieving a comprehensive Middle East peace. However, Mubarak, who did not mention Camp David yesterday and was apparently sensitive that the press had noted the omission, was careful to refer to Camp David in his remarks today.

Mubarak Urges Dialogue with Palestinians

During the toasts at last night’s state dinner at the White House, Mubarak urged the U.S. to open a dialogue with the Palestinians. This was similar to the remarks made by Mubarak’s predecessor, the late President Anwar Sadat during his visit to Washington last August.

At that time, Sadat urged a U.S. dialogue with the Palestinians through their representatives but did not specifically mention the Palestine Liberation Organization. Sadat had told reporters, however, that he did in fact urge Reagan to open talks with the PLO. While Mubarak did not mention the PLO in his toast, his remarks appeared, at least to Reagan, to allude to the PLO. Asked by reporters after the dinner about Mubarak’s comments, Reagan replied, “It depends on whether they meet the terms we’ve always laid out for them. We would love them to meet” the terms. Secretary of State Alexander Haig added a few minutes later, “As far as the PLO is concerned, they know it is necessary to recognize Israel.” U.S. policy also calls for PLO acceptance of UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.

In his toast last night, Mubarak said he supports Reagan’s statement in his State of the Union message last month calling for negotiations “wherever both sides are willing to sit down in good faith.” Mubarak said the U.S. “can make a great contribution to peace through promoting a meaningful and unconditional dialogue between Israel and all other parties willing to negotiate. No party should be excluded from this process,” he said.

He added, “A further step in this direction is an American dialogue with the Palestinians. This will encourage moderation and rekindle the spark of hope in the hearts of millions of your friends,” Mubarak said to Reagan.

Reagan Praises Egypt, Israel

Earlier, Reagan in his toast, said the U.S. and Egypt “have rededicated ourselves” to seeking peace. “What has been accomplished so far is a tribute to the Egyptians, the Israelis, and, I think we are all proud to say, the Americans. Our meetings have reassured me that further progress is within our grasp. While it is not easy, progress rarely is,” Reagan said.

While Mubarak has completed his talks with Reagan, he still has a busy schedule before he leaves Washington tomorrow night. He is scheduled to meet Treasury Secretary Donald Regan today and will meet with Haig again tomorrow. Later today, Mubarak is meeting with the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He will meet tomorrow with American Jewish leaders and will deliver a major address at a National Press Club lunch.