Visiting Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashimi Wednesday called on Arab countries to make more efforts for restoring peace and security in Iraq, Egypt's official MENA news agency reported.

Hashimi made the remarks following meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, noting the current situation in Iraq requires the Arabs to shoulder their responsibility.

The Iraqi vice president said the situation in Iraq was actually alarming, stressing the importance of starting an Arab action before it is too late.

During their talks, Mubarak underlined Egypt's support for the Iraqi efforts for reconciliation and reconstruction.

Earlier on Monday at a joint press conference with Hashimi, Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazef expressed Egypt's willingness to support Iraq to achieve peace and stability.

Hashimi, who is on his first visit to Cairo since he assumed office last year, arrived in the Egyptian capital on Monday.

(Xinhua News Agency June 7, 2007)