RIYADH: Anne-Marie Idrac, France’s minister of state for foreign trade, arrived in Riyadh from Iraq on Monday night to hold a series of meetings with government officials.

Idrac will call for increased economic relations between France and Saudi Arabia, said an official at the French Embassy in Riyadh.

She will also assure officials that France is prepared to support the Kingdom in developing its transport infrastructures and petrochemical industry, and in diversifying its economy. The minister is scheduled to hold discussions with Transport Minister Jabara Al-Suraisery, Commerce and Industry Minister Abdullah Zainal Alireza and Water and Electricity Minister Abdullah Al-Hussayen.

Idrac will also decorate Khaled Balkheyour, president and CEO of Arabsat, with the title of Legion of Honor Chevalier (Knight) at a dinner reception hosted by the French ambassador.