Paris - Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak on Tuesday began an official visit to France that will include a meeting with his French counterpart, Nicolas Sarkozy.

First, however, the Egyptian president will address the French entrepreneurs' association MEDEF, in an attempt to drum up investment for his country.

Mubarak is accompanied by his industry minister, Rachid Mohamed Rachid, and Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit.

The meeting with Sarkozy, to be held around a working dinner, will focus the Mideast peace process, the situation in Lebanon and Iran.

In addition, the two heads of state are expected to discuss Sarkozy's proposed Union for the Mediterranean, in which Egypt is expected to play an important role.

According to Sarkozy advisor Henri Guaino, Egypt is an "essential, decisive and necessary" partner for the proposed union. (dpa)