President Arroyo said Saturday that peace in Mindanao remains on top of the government's list of priorities as she leaves for Egypt and Syria to lobby the Philippines' bid for observer status in the Organization of the Islamic Countries (OIC).

"Peace is always an essential element of our commitment to the nation, particularly when it comes to bringing peace and stability to the Southern Philippines," Mrs. Arroyo said in her departure statement. "To achieve lasting peace in Mindanao will require the collective efforts of the Philippine government and friend and allies around the world. That is why this visit to Egypt and Syria."

Mrs. Arroyo said she will ask for the support of Egypt and Syria as part of the government's efforts to "forge closer ties with Muslim states" in the OIC.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Mrs. Arroyo's first stop is Cairo where she will meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to push for the Philippines' bid for observer status in the OIC.

Remonde said Mrs. Arroyo is the first Philippine President to visit Egypt for the last three decades.

After the meeting on May 2, the President will fly to Syria to sign trade and cooperation agreements and address the council of minister and the Syrian Parliament.

Mrs. Arroyo said the Philippines has forged a closer relationship with Syria. She said the Philippines is scheduled to open an embassy in Damascus this year.

The government is banking on Syria and Egypt clout in the OIC to forge a peace deal with Muslim separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Mindanao.

Mrs. Arroyo is expected to return to Manila by Thursday next week.