Paris, July 27, SPA -- Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon arrived here today on his first visit to France in four years. Sharon was to meet with President Jacques Chirac at the ElyseePalace at around 12:30 p.m. (1030GMT). "Our relations with France are strengthening at everylevel, notably commercially," Sharon told France's LeMonde in an interview published Tuesday. The talks with Chirac were expected to focus on thepullout from Gaza and four small West Bank settlements incoming weeks, but in the newspaper interview, Sharon saidhe wanted to consult the French leader on issues including thoserelating to Iran, Syria and Lebanon. "I appreciate his understanding of the region," he was quoted as saying by the Associated Press in his interview.--SP1404 Local Time 1104 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w