Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak (R) meets with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in Cairo November 9, 2005. Kofi Annan arrived in Cairo November 7, 2005. (Xinhua Photo)

CAIRO, Nov. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Visiting UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Wednesday discussed with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak the latest developments in the Middle East, especially on the Palestinians and Syria.

    Presidential spokesman Suleiman Awwad told reporters that the talks focused on the situation in the Palestinian territories after the Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip and the UN Security Council resolutions on Syria.

    Awwad said Annan expressed appreciation for Mubarak's role in the Arab and African arenas.

    On Syria, the presidential spokesman said Annan briefed Mubarak on the outcome of his talks with UN Security Council permanent member states, especially the United States and France which brokered the UN resolutions on Syria.

    Mubarak and Annan agreed on the importance of dealing wisely with the implementation of the resolutions as Damascus pledged full cooperation with the UN probe into the killing of former Lebanese premier Rafik Hariri.

    Annan left here on Wednesday, winding up a three-day visit to Egypt, during which he held talks with senior officials, including Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif, Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit and Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa on the latest developments in the Middle East. Enditem