Paris, Jumada I 25, 1437, Mar 5, 2016, SPA -- A joint communiqué on the occasion of the visit of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier and Interior Minister of the Republic of France, was announced here today, as follows: Given the ties of friendship and close cooperation that bind the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic, and in response to an invitation of His Excellency the President of the French Republic Mr. Francois Hollande, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, made an official visit to the Republic of France, from 3 to 4 March 2016, corresponding to 24-26 Jummada I, 1437. During the visit, His Royal Highness met with the President of the Republic Mr. Francois Hollande, the Premier Manuel Valls and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Mr. Jean-Marc Ayrault, the Interior Minister Mr. Bernard Kaznov, Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, the Minister of Environment, Energy and Seas Ms. Segolene Royal, and Director General of External Security Mr. Bernard Bajolet, and Director General of the Internal Security Mr. Patrick Mousey and the head of the Arab world Institute, Mr. Jack Lang. These meetings provided an opportunity to hold formal discussions between the two parties, within the spirit of appreciation and strong friendship between them, which also allowed the review and study of prospects of bilateral cooperation, in all areas and avenues available to consolidate and strengthen the existing strategic partnership between the two countries. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the excellent and strong relations between France and the Kingdom and its development at all levels: political, security, economic, financial, trade and industry, education and culture affairs. They also expressed desire to develop new areas of bilateral cooperation for the promotion of investments and also reaffirmed their commitment to achieve progress in many bilateral projects, during the 3rd session of the joint Committee to be held in Paris in the month of April, under the chairmanship of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development. -- more 01:44 LOCAL TIME 22:44 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w