France, Saudis Hold Defense Summit

ABU DHABI [MENL] -- France and Saudi Arabia have held a defense summit to
discuss arms sales to the Arab kingdom.
French Defense Minister Herve Morin held talks in Riyad with the Saudi
leadership in an effort to conclude weapons projects. During his two day
visit, which ended on Tuesday, Morin, handed over a letter from French
President Nicolas Sarkozy to Saudi King Abdullah regarding bilateral
relations.
"France wants to conclude negotiations for a major weapons deal," a
French industry source said.
Over the last three years, France and Saudi Arabia have negotiated the
transfer of attack helicopters, main battle tanks, fighter-jets and a border
security network to the Arab kingdom. The French Defense Ministry has
established a company, ODAS, to process military contracts with Saudi
Arabia.