Ruler of Bahrain in France on Thursday

The French Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that the ruler of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa, will conduct a visit tomorrow, which is his first since he assumed power on March 7, 1999, during which he will meet with French President Jacques Chirac and discuss regional issues, the Middle East peace process and means of strengthening bilateral relations.

The Bahraini Emir will also open an exposition focusing on his country at the at the Arab World Institute in Paris under the title: "Bahrain's civilization from Delmon until Tellous."

The exhibition contains a collection of artifacts that date back to the unidentified civilization of Delmon that used to flourish in Bahrain.

Sheikh Hamad assumed power in Bahrain in succession of his late father Sheikh Issa Bin Salman al-Khalelfa last March.