Sadat and Navon a Gree to Extensive Cultural Exchange

President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and President Yitzhak Navon of Israel decided this afternoon to begin an extensive cultural exchange, including the admission of Israeli archaeologists to. Egypt. This was reported following a meeting between the two leaders at the Dan Carmel Hotel here.

Both leaders pointed to the congenial and “instructive” manner in which the talk was conducted, the first time the two Presidents have met for any length of time. “I have enjoyed the discussion with President Navon and hope we will have more opportunities to speak together in the future,” Sadat said following the meeting. Navon agreed, and characterized the talk as “pleasant and instructive.”

While both leaders voiced their hopes that they would have more opportunities to meet, the Egyptian leader apparently did not invite his Israeli counterpart for a visit to Egypt. It is expected, however, that such an invitation will be forthcoming as the normalization process continues.

While most of the discussion was concentrated on cultural issues, the two Presidents also discussed political concerns, notably the oil issue, the future of Jerusalem and the part played by Saudi Arabia in the peace process. Following the meeting, Sadat said that he would work for the inclusion of Jordan in the peace process.

While their husbands were busy discussing their nations’ more practical issues, Jihan Sadat and Ofira Navon also held what they termed “a pleasant and interesting meeting.” Mrs. Sadat, here on her first visit, lavishly exclaimed that “I really feel at home here and I’m very happy to meet with Ofira Navon and to be here among you.” Noting that she wants to meet “the people and the children,” Mrs. Sadat said she was sorry that the time allotted here was so short.

Both women expressed their desire to further local interest and commitment to education, arts and culture and the status of women.