President Obama's weekly address, 18 Apr 2009

U.S. President Barack Obama will travel to Egypt next month to give a speech to the Muslim world.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Friday that Egypt is the country that in many ways represents the heart of the Arab world. He said the trip will be an opportunity for the president to discuss U.S. relations with the Muslim world.

Gibbs said Mr. Obama will also visit Germany and France during his trip.

Mr. Obama has pledged to seek a new relationship with the Muslim world, based on mutual interests and respect.

Since taking office in January, decisions he has made -- like closing the Guantanamo detention center within a year and banning harsh interrogation techniques -- have been welcomed in the Muslim world.

President Obama visited Turkey in April and addressed that country's parliament.