Ambassador Boursin, who arrives in Honiara this afternoon, will be in the country on an official visit between the 8th and 10th of January 2008.

During his short visit, Ambassador Boursin will pay a call on the newly elected Prime Minister, Hon Dr. Derek Sikua, to personally deliver a congratulatory message from his French counterpart, Prime Minister Francois Fillon.

Ambassador Boursin will also meet with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and MP for Small Malaita, Hon. William Haomae, and Minister for Tourism and Culture, and MP for Rennell-Bellona, Hon. Seth Gukuna.

Ambassador Boursin is also likely to discuss some bilateral issues with the Prime Minister and his two ministers in the Coalition for National Unity and Rural advancement (CNURA) Government.

Among the issues to be discussed are the commemoration of the landing of the famous French Navigator La Perouse in 1788 in Vanikoro, Temotu Province, and other bilateral issues.

France will put on a big show case and exhibition of portraits and remains of La Perouse's wrecked ship in Paris later on this year to mark the event. A delegation from the Solomon Islands government may be invited by the French Government to witness the likely colorful event.

Ambassador Boursin will depart on Thursday 10 January 2008 for Port Moresby.