Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07CAIRO2306
2007-07-26 15:09:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Cairo
Cable title:
FM ABOUL GHEIT ON GOE MEETING WITH NORTH KOREAN
how-toVZCZCXYZ0001 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHEG #2306 2071509 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 261509Z JUL 07 FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6291 RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY INFO RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL PRIORITY 0044
C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 002306
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/26/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV EG KN
SUBJECT: FM ABOUL GHEIT ON GOE MEETING WITH NORTH KOREAN
PRESIDENT KIM YOUNG NAM
Classified By: Ambassador Francis J. Ricciardone
Reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d)
(C) In a July 26 meeting with the Ambassador, Foreign
Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit confirmed media reports that the
Egyptians are currently hosting North Korean President Kim
Young Nam, and that President Mubarak would host a dinner in
his honor. Ambassador noted that it was a rare gesture of
courtesy for Mubarak to host a dinner. Aboul Gheit responded
that Mubarak has visited North Korea at least six times, and
expounded on North Korea's support of Egypt during the 1973
war with Israel, which included sending fighter jets and
pilots to "fight side by side Egyptians." This, he said,
could not be forgotten. Ambassador asked if there would be
any substance to the meeting; Aboul Gheit said, apparently in
jest, that perhaps Egypt would purchase missiles and other
military equipment from North Korea. Ambassador responded
that perhaps Aboul Gheit could discuss human rights issues
with Nam, as well as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
(which Aboul Ghait had raised previously in the meeting in
connection with Israel).
RICCIARDONE