Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Kamel Amr is scheduled to travel to France for a three-day visit on 1 April and is expected to meet with his French counterpart Laurent Fabius and President François Hollande. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a statement on Friday outlining the purpose of Kamel Amr's visit. During his time in France he will discuss bi-lateral relations and regional affairs, including the situation in Palestine and Syria. According to acting spokesman for the ministry Nazih El Naggary, the discussions on Palestine will focus on “the importance of finding real prospects for achieving the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people". On Syria, Kamel Amr will highlight “the worsening humanitarian tragedy there, the need to support the struggle of the Syrian people and the need to reach a political solution," reported El Naggary. El Naggary also mentioned briefly that Kamel Amr and Fabius would discuss the situation in Mali. This is an issue on which Egypt and France have differing opinions. On 13 January France launched Opération Serval, which began with air strikes. The situation progressed until French troops were on the ground to fight off Islamist rebels who had taken control of Northern Mali. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and President Mohamed Morsi were openly opposed to French military intervention, believing that it could intensify the conflict. The two foreign ministers are also expected to discuss arrangements for the upcoming African-French Summit. During his visit, Kamel Amr will also meet with the France-Egypt Parliamentary Friendship Association. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs also published a statement on Friday saying: “This visit reflects the desire of both countries to strengthen their ties of friendship." The ministry also reports that Kamel Amr and Fabius will discuss “the transition process in Egypt".
