Sarkozy's Qatar tour begins on Monday

Doha: French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrives in Qatar on Monday on a two-day visit where he is to discuss key security and energy issues diplomatic sources said.

He will arrive from Saudi Arabia this afternoon and hold talks with the Emir of Qatar, Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Heir Apparent and the Prime Minister, a source at the French embassy told Gulf News. Tomorrow he is due to inaugurate the Voltaire Lycee, a Qatari-French school before leaving for the UAE.

It is the first time Sarkozy has visited the region since he took office in May.

Very good relations

Ties between the two countries are very good, with France looking at Qatar as a potential partner in gas development projects worldwide and a major importer of French nuclear technology, electric materials, arms and security equipment.

However, on the eve of his trip Sarkozy renewed an attack on sovereign wealth funds saying he could not accept some countries (like the Gulf States) could buy French companies when French firms were not free to do the same.

Local media sources have anticipated that during his visit Gaz De France and Qatar Petroleum International will sign a memorandum of understanding to pursue development of energy projects outside Qatar. Sarkozy is also likely to discuss the development of a Gulf civilian nuclear energy programme.

Sarkozy visit is also aimed to discuss the situation in Iraq, Lebanon, the Middle East peace process and tensions over Iran's nuclear ambitions.