Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu congratulated Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on the anniversary of the 1952 Egyptian Revolution, Thursday. Speaking at a reception at the residence of Egyptian Aambassador Yasser Reda in Herzliya, the prime minister said, "We appreciate President Mubarak's efforts to thwart the radical forces in his country and strive for peace. Egypt will remain the cornerstone in our search for peace with all our neighbors." He called the Egyptian president's leadership "critical to peace in the region."
Also in attendance was President Shimon Peres, who echoed Netanyahu's comments about Mubarak being qualified to lead the way to peace. At the same time, he noted the breakthrough provided by Mubarak's predecessor, Anwar Sadat.