Medvedev expected in Paris to discuss business, arms, politics

Mar 1, 2010, 9:28 GMT

Paris - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev was expected to arrive in Paris Monday on a two-day state visit, his first official trip to France since he took office in May 2008.

The purpose of the visit is to deepen political and economic relations between the two countries and to discuss, with his French counterpart, Nicolas Sarkozy, a number of troubling geopolitical questions.

Issues on their agenda are expected to include Iran's nuclear program, Moscow's proposal for a 'European security space,' the fight against global warming and the global economic situation.

In addition, discussions will be held on the controversial sale of up to four French Mistral helicopter-carrying warships to Russia, a deal that has provoked nervousness in former Soviet satellite countries and in Washington.

Medvedev and Sarkozy are scheduled to meet for talks Monday evening. On Tuesday, after visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, they will inaugurate an exhibition of sacred Russian art at the Louvre.

Medvedev will be accompanied by some 100 entrepreneurs and heads of industry, who will participate at a forum hosted by the French employers' union MEDEF.

Two important contracts are expected to be signed. One will allow French utility GDF Suez to take part in the North Stream gasline project and the other will create a joint company by the train manufacturers Alstom of France and Russia's TMH.

Late Tuesday, Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, are to host a state dinner for Mr and Mrs Medvedev and the Elysee Palace.