Rachel Mills, spokeswoman for Rep. Ron Paul, explained in an email why the Texas Republican agreed to meet with French politician Marine Le Pen, who has been connected to anti-Muslim and anti-immigration sentiment, reports Roll Call.

“Paul generally meets with foreign politicians and political leaders who request a meeting, particularly when they share his interest in monetary policy and the destructive nature of central banks,” Mills said in an email.

Le Pen is head of The National Front, which has been accused in the past of inciting violence against France’s immigrant population.

The National Front was started by Le Pen’s father, Jean-Marie, in 1972.