Egypt to be location of major Obama speech

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WASHINGTON, May 8 (UPI) -- President Obama plans to give a major speech in Egypt on the relationship between the United States and the Muslim world, a spokesman said Friday.

Press Secretary Robert Gibbs announced the president's plans during the daily briefing at the White House. Obama is to make his next major overseas trip in June, visiting the Middle East and Europe.

"It is a country that in many ways represents the heart of the -- of the Arab world," Gibbs said. "And I think it will be a terrific opportunity for the president to address and discuss our relationship with the Muslim world."

President Hosni Mubarak has governed Egypt for 28 years. Pressed about the country's lack of democracy, Gibbs said Obama's address "isn't a speech to leaders."

"This is a speech to many, many people and a continuing effort by this president and this White House to demonstrate how we can work together to ensure the safety and security and the future well-being through hope and opportunity of the children of this country and of the Muslim world," Gibbs said.