President Bush is greeted by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Wednesday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Bush ended his eight-day Mideast visit with hopes for a peace agreement.

Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt ? President Bush’s fast-track plan for a Mideast peace agreement got a welcome endorsement Wednesday from a nation long seen as a key Arab mediator. Bush responded by pulling his punches on the human rights backpedaling in Egypt that has cooled relations with this longtime ally.

The president closed an eight-day Mideast trip well-fed from several lingering meals with his Arab hosts and upbeat about what even some of America’s closest allies say is an unexpected and ambitious drive. An Israeli-Palestinian agreement has eluded U.S. presidents for decades, and Bush didn’t put much effort into trying for the first seven years of his presidency.

Bush had a message for skeptical Arab states whose help he needs to make any accord stick and who doubt the president’s intention to personally shepherd a deal. “I mean what I’m saying,” Bush said.

In a brief appearance with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Bush dealt gently with the pace of political reform in Egypt, the issue that has most distanced his administration from this historical partner, the first Arab state to make peace with Israel and the recipient of the most U.S. aid except Israel. He started with praise that had less to do with Egypt’s government than with its history and populace. He said he discussed the issue with Mubarak, who himself said nothing on the topic.

“Because of the predominate role you play, and because I strongly believe that Egypt can play a role in the freedom and justice movement … my hope is that the Egyptian government will build on these important steps, and give the people of this proud nation a greater voice in your future,” Bush said.

He did not publicly mention jailed political opposition leader Ayman Nour, whose case U.S. officials have pledged to raise each time they meet the Egyptians.

As gasoline and heating oil prices soar at home, Bush urged the OPEC oil cartel to consider boosting production. White House press secretary Dana Perino said Saudi King Abdullah understood the concern Bush raised Tuesday night. But there was no apparent commitment from the Saudis and no immediate move from OPEC.

With the U.S. economy suffering from the effects of high energy costs as well as a housing crisis, one of Bush’s first acts upon returning to Washington was to be a conference call this afternoon with congressional leaders in both parties and both chambers to discuss a possible short-term stimulus package.

The centerpiece of the most extensive Mideast trip of Bush’s presidency was the ambitious goal of a signed peace deal before he leaves office a year from now. Talks have been fitful, with few tangible results so far. On Wednesday, Israel moved to dismantle two unauthorized settler outposts, a sticking point in talks.