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King Rama IX, Bhumibol Adulyadej welcomed the First French President during this very first visit. French officials stated that Jacques Chirac had been treated with all the regards and like a "Prince" by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit.
Few months ago, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra met with President Chirac at Elysees. It took 321 years to organize today's visit. Then to remember that a Siamese Ambassador visited France and met King Louis the XV at Versailles.
"Kingdom of Thailand is undergoing considerable growth today that, in my opinion, is likely to continue and even gather pace. This is the reason why France wants to develop stronger economic ties. France is Thailand's second-largest economic partner in Europe. There are already strong ties between us and we have shared interests. The projects put forward by the Prime Minister are very ambitious and are aimed at establishing closer cooperation between Thailand and France in many fields" said President Jacques Chirac during an interview with Thailand Daily Newspaper "Nation".
No contracts were signed during the visit who met with King Rama IX, Bhumibol Adulyadej and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Jacques Chirac flew with four other government members and about thirty executives from large companies like Total, Alstom, Dassault Aviation, Carrefour...
Both countries have a long common history but never really partnered together. President Chirac announces today that both nations will work closely to develop vaccines.
Later during the visit President Chirac will discuss with the head the Thai Government about France to support the candidature of its Deputy Prime Minister, Surakiart Sathirathai, to replace Mr Kofi Annan at the end of the year.
Later, a meeting with the French community, where he will meet with some family members who lost relatives during December 26, 2004, tsunami. France claimed 90 victims at the time.
Jacques Chirac will fly to India on Sunday to meet with India government officials.
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