Kolkata, Dec 14 (IANS): In a bid to strengthen France's ties with West Bengal, French ambassador Francois Richier begins a three-day visit to the state from Monday.
The highlights of his trip will be the reopening of the French cultural hub (Alliance Francaise) in a brand new avatar and conferring of insignia of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters to three Indian academicians.
The French will seek partnership in the areas including economic exchanges, tourism, social initiatives and culture.
Richier will meet Governor K.N. Tripathi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee besides state Bharatiya Janata Party president Rahul Sinha.
This apart, he is scheduled to have discussions with some of the members of the business chambers.