Investment promotion and illegal immigration were on the agenda of a meeting between Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg and his French counterpart, Bernard Kouchner in Paris yesterday.

Dr Borg highlighted the strong ties between the two countries, mentioning French investment in Malta as a clear example.

France is the island's second largest trading partner and the introduction of the euro further enhanced these connections. There are 213 companies registered in Malta having French shareholders and French firms in Malta employ over 2,500 people.

Mr Kouchner said France was interested to learn more about the possibilities of investing in research in Malta.

Dr Borg spoke about the help the French government gave Malta in dealing with illegal immigration, adding that France would be taking 92 migrants from Malta.

The French Ambassador to Malta, Daniel Rondeau last week handed out letters to 92 immigrants - including two newborns - who will start their life afresh in France in July.

Last year, France took 95 immigrants from Malta.

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