Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi flew into France from Britain on his maiden overseas tour dogged by economic and political woes at home.
Koizumi, who earlier visited the United States, was meeting shortly after arrival in Paris with his French counterpart, Lionel Jospin. He was scheduled to meet President Jacques Chirac on Wednesday.
Officials said that the Japanese prime minister would discuss the Kyoto climate change treaty, US plans to build a missile defense shield and preparations for this month's G8 summit of industrialized nations.
"It is Mr Koizumi's first visit to France since his election in April last year and we are very happy to make this first contact with the leader of a country with which we have strong, direct and friendly relations," a French foreign ministry official said – PARIS (AFP)
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