U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell has met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iraq and other issues.
Mr. Powell said he thanked Egypt for offering to help train Iraqi forces. He also welcomed Egypt's offer to send experts to Gaza to train Palestinian security forces, if and when Israel withdraws from the territory.
Egypt says its help hinges on a promise by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to allow his prime minister to revamp Palestinian security services. For his part, Mr. Powell says he remains skeptical that Mr. Arafat will keep his word.
The U.S. diplomat said he also received assurances that Egypt will press Sudan to end the violent humanitarian crisis in the western Darfur region.