On Thursday, the Iraqi government and the United Nations will launch the International Compact with Iraq that deals with mostly economic issues. Then on Friday, officials will discuss Iraq's security and political reconciliation efforts.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said before arriving in Egypt that the situation in Iraq will help determine whether the Middle East is stable or unstable.

She also said she would be ready to discuss issues beside Iraq with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki if they encounter each other. Rice is also expected to talk with Syrian officials during the conference. - VOA News