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Chirac to visit Sweden

STOCKHOLM: French President Jacques Chirac will visit Sweden this week for talks with Prime Minister Goeran Persson, as the two seek to intensify relations in preparation for their countries' consecutive EU presidencies.

Chirac and Persson are expected to discuss issues ranging from European Union expansion to bilateral trade during the French leader's two-day stay beginning Monday, the first French state visit since 1984.

Persson said on Thursday that France and Sweden enjoyed good relations, but said there was room for improvement.ÑAFP