Region's government officials and Bill Gates to meet in Cairo

The event will be held under the auspices of the Egyptian President, Mr. Hosni Mubarak, and will be hosted by Dr. Atef Ebid the Egyptian Prime Minister on January 24, 25th.

Emre Berkin, vice president for Microsoft Europe Middle East and Africa, said:" Our chairman's visit to Cairo translates directly into the ongoing commitment of Microsoft to the Arab World and the ICT agendas of its governments and businesses"

The Government Leadership Forum is an annual Microsoft event that brings together representatives from governments around the world to discuss how countries are streamlining service delivery and empowering their citizens through the use of information technology. The forum, held for the first time in the Middle East in Cairo, will focus on 'Modernizing Government', 'Economic Development' and 'Education'. Gates is expected to meet government officials and top businesses driving information, community and technology agendas in the region. Gates is also expected to deliver the closing Key note of GLF Arabia.

Gates will also deliver the keynote speech at "Microsoft Developers Conference 2004 an annual forum that brings together developers from around the world to exchange and share expertise, ideas and learn about new technologies.

"Through our 16 offices across the Arab World, Microsoft has constantly delivered technologies and programs tailored to the educational, social and development needs of local communities," said Berkin. "Bill's visit is intended to explore current and future modernization, development and educational objectives set by governments and businesses and explore opportunities where Microsoft can continue delivering on its social obligations to the region."