EGYPT TO HOST MEETINGS OF THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

• The Government of Egypt will host the upcoming meetings of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Sharm El Sheikh from 20 to 22 May 2006. The main theme of the meetings will be entitled A Window for Peace and Prosperity.
  
• This years meetings will be held at an important juncture in the history of the Middle East. The region witnessed several political and economic developments in 2005 and the early beginnings of 2006. Countries of the region continued to achieve various milestones in the ongoing process of political and economic reform. These developments and achievements encompass a myriad of optimism, aspirations and opportunities on the one hand, as well as new challenges and difficulties on the other.
  
• Addressing all these issues will be paramount in ensuring the success of regional and global efforts exerted to achieve peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East. The meetings in Sharm El Sheikh represent a remarkable opportunity to address these priority issues.
  
• It is expected that a large number of high-level dignitaries and business leaders, including from Japan, will participate in the meetings.