During the course of a single day, Ismail Serageldin chaired an expert group meeting of the Japan-Arab Dialogue Forum to assess the situation in Iraq, and in Palestine after the election. The members of the expert group reviewed and exchanged views on the recent developments in the Middle East. Serageldin made special mention of Japans excellent relationship with the Arab world and the major effort it contributes to promote stability in the Middle East region. The group agreed to hold another round of talks, in June, to further assess the ongoing developments in the region. The meeting was attended by Mr. Yukio Okamoto, Dr. Ossama El Baz, and H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Bin Saad Al-Ibrahim, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Egypt.