SHARM EL-SHEIK, Egypt — President Bush closed an eight-day Mideast trip upbeat about what even some of America’s closest allies say is an unexpected and ambitious plan for a Mideast peace agreement.

The centerpiece of the most extensive Mideast trip of Mr. 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.

In a brief appearance with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Sharm el-Sheikh, Mr. 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 Mr. Mubarak, who himself said nothing on the topic.

“Because of the predominant 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,” Mr. Bush said.

Mr. Bush didn’t publicly mention jailed political opposition leader Ayman Nour, whose case U.S. officials have pledged to raise each time they meet the Egyptians.

Arab states weren’t shy in criticizing Mr. Bush’s arms-length approach up to now. Mr. Mubarak was among those who told Mr. Bush he was creating a larger problem by letting the issue fester and by feeding the perception that he is too partial to Israel.

Mr. Mubarak’s quarter-century in power has seen multiple failed peace efforts and over time Egypt has seen its status as the Arab world’s main Mideast mediator slip to another power player — Saudi Arabia. Still, Mr. Mubarak endorsed Mr. Bush’s one-year timeline and offered to work “hand-in-hand” alongside the U.S. and other peacemakers to make it happen — a more enthusiastic statement than Mr. Bush received elsewhere.

“I emphasized that the Palestinian question, of course, is the core of problems and conflict in the Middle East,” Mr. Mubarak told reporters after he and Mr. Bush met and had lunch at this Red Sea resort.