French defense minister is visiting Saudi Arabia today

French defense minister Alain Richard is to arrive today in the Saudi capital, Riyadh for a two-day visit at the invitation of Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, the deputy second prime minister and Saudi minister of defense and aviation.

The French embassy in Riyadh said, "The talks will focus on developing the distinguished relations between the two intimate countries, especially in the defense field, and some international regional causes."

Diplomatic sources in the embassy said, "The Saudi - French communications are continuous on all levels for more economic and commercial cooperation, and these communications include causes occupying the area, topped by the peace process in the Middle East."