Mubrak arrives in France

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak started a visit to France today at to his counterpart Jacques Chirac's invitation.

Mubarak is being accompanied by Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa, Minister of Public Works Atef Ebeid, Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni and Minister of Economy Yousef Butros Ghali.

Sources in the Egyptian presidency said Mubarak will inaugurate an exhibition in France under the title of "Alexandria's Greatness," then he will deliver a lecture at the French institute for international relations.

The sources said Mubarak and Chirac will hold consultations concerning the situations in the Middle East and the peace process, emphasizing that Egypt plays a motivating role in developing European - Mediterranean participation through the Barcelon conference.

The sources also said that Mubarak would meet with French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.