CRI听力：World Economic Forum on Mideast Kicks off in Egypt's Red Sea Resort

The World Economic Forum kicked off its annual meeting on the Middle East at the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Sunday.

Giving a keynote speech at the opening session, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said the Palestinian problem is the core issue in this region, and the right approach to solve all other crises in the region.

Marc Otte, the EU special representative for the Middle East peace process, said he hoped all would join in to achieve a common goal.

"I hope Hamas, but also Fatah and all the Palestinian movement will see the interest of working towards a single national goal which is the end of occupation, Palestinian independence."

The World Economic Forum Mideast conference was attended by some 14 heads of state and government. It also brought together over 1,500 high-ranking officials, leading business figures, leaders of civil society and the media from some 60 countries and regions. (Www.hxen.net)

With the theme of "Learning from the Future," the three-day event will focus on a series of futuristic scenarios that explore the impact of long-term global trends on the Middle East.

Some hot topics, such as regional tourism, water resources, sustainable development in the region, soaring food prices and the consequences of global inflation on Mideast, will also be high on the agenda of the international meeting.