President arrives in France

By K. K. Katyal

PARIS, APRIL 16. The first Indian President to set foot on French soil, Mr. K. R. Narayanan, arrived here this afternoon for wide- ranging talks over the next two days, seeking to confirm the new warmth in the bilateral relationship.

Among the highlights of his programme are a meeting with his French counterpart, Mr. Jacques Chirac, tomorrow and talks with the Prime Minister, Mr. Lionel Jospin, on Tuesday. During his stay, the two sides will exchange the letters of their Foreign Ministers, confirming the entry into force of the bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement.

Mr. Narayanan was received at Orly airport by the French Defence Minister, Mr. Alian Richard. Paris has just come out of the throes of winter, with a drizzle serving as a reminder that spring has been delayed. A few trees here and there with flowers may not quite make the spring but do promise its onset.

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