Egyptian leader backs Med Union

President Sarkozy’s plan for a Mediterranean Union wins approval from Egyptian premier Hosni Mubarak.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has backed the creation of a Mediterranean Union – an idea put forward by President Sarkozy.

President Sarkozy’s diplomatic councilor Jean-David Levitte said Mubarak had given his “resolute support” to the union which is aimed as a bridge between the EU, Africa and the Middle East.

During a two-day visit the two leaders also discussed issues of security in the Middle East.

The meeting is the third between the Egyptian and French leaders since Sarkozy's election a year ago.

The French president travelled to Egypt in December for his first official trip to the Middle East, following a private holiday with his then girlfriend Carla Bruni.