Sarkozy eyes big contracts with Saudi

Source: AFP

RIYADH (AFP) - President Nicolas Sarkozy wrapped up a visit to Saudi Arabia on Monday saying French firms would sign major contracts with Riyadh potentially worth 40 billion euros, but without securing any deals.

"They are immense contracts, both civilian and military," Sarkozy told reporters. "We are talking about 40 billion euros (59 billion dollars) in potential deals."

Sarkozy, on his first Gulf tour since taking office in May, said the contracts would be signed "in the coming weeks and months."

A French official said on Sunday that delegations from the two countries signed four political and energy cooperation agreements, and outlined infrastructure and military contracts worth nearly 40 billion euros.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080114/wl_mideast_afp/gulffrancediplomacysaudi_080114123819