During 1797, Ali Pasha was after a friendship with the French for the benefit of his interests. He convinced them of his sincerity, but the French did not wish to covenant the land in Epirus to him. On the other hand, the General Gentili allowed the Turkish boats to pass through the narrow way along Corfu, which was not allowed by the convention of Passarovich (1718). On 25th of October 1798, Ali Pasha besieged Vouthroto, the French moved from the mainland to Corfu and Ali became the conqueror of Epirus.
