Egypt's presence in Iraq would create balance

Iraqi officials have accused Syria of assisting Iraqi insurgents, especially those loyal to former president Saddam Hussein.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari called on Monday for a stronger Egyptian presence in Iraq to create balance in his country, which has been plagued by a recent spate of deadly attacks.

Iraq - welcomes Egypt's strong return to Iraq through its embassy in Baghdad - Zebari told reporters after talks between Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

In November, a new Egyptian ambassador took up his position in Baghdad, which had been vacant since Cairo's charge d'affaires was murdered in Iraq in 2005.

- Egypt is a very important country for balance in the region and its presence will create a sense of balance in Iraq - Zebari said.

Iraqi officials have accused Syria of assisting Iraqi insurgents, especially those loyal to former president Saddam Hussein, and some have blamed people backed by Syria and Saudi Arabia for carrying out coordinated bombings in Baghdad on December 8 that killed 127 people.

Last week Syrian President Bashar al-Assad underlined his commitment to stability in Iraq.

Maliki, who arrived in Egypt on Sunday, meanwhile stressed - the need to boost Egypt's economic presence and resolve the problems that exist due to the lack of Egyptian companies and investors in Iraq - Zebari said.