Dutch Foreign Minister Max van der Stoel, now visiting Cairo, has assured Egyptian leaders that the Dutch point of view on Mideast problems is in harmony with that of the European Common Market, a communique issued here today said. Van der Stoel told Egyptian Foreign Minister Ismail Fahmy that this position includes the complete Israeli withdrawal from all occupied territories, the recognition of full rights for the Palestinians, and sure and guaranteed borders for all states in the area.
Fahmy’s reply was a promise to make van der Stoel’s visit a “turning point” in Dutch-Egyptian relations. Fahmy added that Holland’s friendship with Israel need not hinder good relations with Egypt. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, speaking on Dutch radio after meeting with the Dutch envoy said the recent chill in Dutch-Egyptian relations was due to a “misunderstanding.”
The Egyptian President also attacked the United States for continuing to supply arms to Israel, and called on Holland and other European countries for their support of a return to the Geneva peace table. He said European countries can play an important part in the Geneva conference, which is “our last hope for peace,” During the Dutch Foreign Minister’s visit, cultural accords were also signed between the two countries.
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