Paris, Sha'ban 18, 1435, Jun 16, 2014, SPA -- France's Minister of State for External Trade, Tourism and French Expatriates Flore Pelerine met with the Saudi side in the Saudi French Business Council in the French capital of Paris today and discussed with them aspects of cooperation in the economic fields and other issues relating to commerce. Addressing the meeting, Flore expressed delight over the Saudi delegation's visit, noting that their schedule is to pay visits to a number French facilities and cities to explore economic opportunities, noting the importance of unifying the efforts to face the challenges against achieving the joint goals of the two countries. She also praised the strong partnership between the two governments, noting that France is planning to diversify its investments and develop the partnership, particularly in the field of health. For his part, Dr. Mohammed bin Laden, Chairman of the Saudi side in the Council, said the visit aims at commercial exchanges between the two countries, noting that the Kingdom has prepared investment plans for diversified trade, notably in the small and medium enterprises. He said Saudi Arabia is seeking to diversify its investment, adding that the next visit would focus on agriculture. The meeting was attended by the French ambassador to the Kingdom Bertrand Bezenesnou, Saudi deputy chief of mission Dr. Ali Al-Garni and the Saudi French Council members. --SPA 23:10 LOCAL TIME 20:10 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w