Jeddah, July 19, SPA -- French President Jacques Chirac has highlighted the significance of the visit of Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, to France, and said it will positively contribute to further enhancing Saudi-French relations. In a statement to Jeddah-based al-Madina newspaper, Chirac said the Saudi-French talks will cover all issues of mutual interest. 'The Kingdom has been playing an important role in the region, and has been adopting a moderate policy', he said. Chirac described the Saudi-French relations as strong. Meanwhile, in a message published today by al-Riyad newspaper, Chirac expressed appreciation for the warm welcome given to him in the Kingdom during his visit to the country last March in response to an invitation from the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. He noted that the visit of Prince Sultan to France constitutes a new stage for implementing the strategic partnership between the Kingdom and France. --SPA 19/07/2006 15:40 ت م www.spa.gov.sa/376701