FRANCE has weight in international politics, not only because it is one of the important members of the European Union, but also because of its moderate and just policies. It is concerned with peace in the Middle East and aims to establish a comprehensive solution for the region. France's military power is due to the technological advancement it has achieved. The country is well-developed in providing training in military discipline and in modern defense techniques. France's scientific progress and hi-tech universities make it one of the prime destinations for higher education. Students from different parts of the world study there to gain knowledge in sciences and other fields, particularly in the field of medicine. Saudi-French relations are based on a strong foundation of cooperation between the two countries. The Kingdom, too, has the same goals and concerns of France, for the region and the world. It has aspirations that peace in the Middle East and the world should be just and comprehensive. There is much ground to cooperate. The Kingdom has a just and moderate economic policy and large oil reserves. And it is energy that is needed by all sectors of French industry. In addition, the Kingdom is a huge investment market for development projects and general consumption. This situation can boost trade with countries with which it has signed strategic partnerships. France is one of the Kingdom's leading strategic partners. In addition, the scholarship program, which is receiving an increasing response from male and female students wanting to study in France, forms an axis of cooperation in the field of education at different levels and in different fields. All this serves to demontrate the importance of the French President's visit to the Kingdom. It will help to further boost the strategic cooperation and partnership between the two countries. __
