The minister says Egypt has the facilities

"Egypt is entirely prepared to host this world event," Helal told a press conference in Cairo on Thursday.

According to the minister, the football-mad country enjoys good "security conditions, a moderate climate all year long" and benefits from a solid tourist infrastructure.

Egypt is one of six countries that have declared their interest in hosting the 2010 finals, which has been zoned to Africa.

Egypt is prepared Ali Eddin Helal

It will be the first time an African country will host the World Cup, under new Fifa rules that requires the tournament to rotate from one continent to another.

Morocco, Nigeria, Libya, South Africa and Tunisia are the other countries bidding to host the tournament.

Helal recalled that Egypt was a founding member of the Confederation of African Football and has hosted its headquarters since 1956.

All bidding countries must submit their proposals to Fifa by 30 September.

Fifa's inspection team would visit the competing countries within six months and submit a report to the executive committee.