Egyptian first lady Susan Mubarak, who is accompanying President Hosni Mubarak on a visit toChina, donated nearly 500 books on Thursday to the National Library of China.

The books cover subjects including Egyptian history, culture, tourism and social sciences.

Mrs Mubarak said at the ceremony that the donation aims to enhance the exchange and cooperation of two cultures and to improve Chinese knowledge of Egypt.

She spoke highly of the close relations between the two countries and of the development of Chinese civilization.

( Xinhua News Agency January 24, 2002)