Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke this morning, with French President Jacques Chirac, who telephoned in order to congratulate him on hi elections victory and wish him success both in fulfilling his responsibilities and in the difficult task of forming a coalition.  The French President said that bilateral relations were excellent and had received new impetus by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's recent visit to France.  He invited Acting Prime Minister Olmert to visit France after the formation of a new government.

Acting Prime Minister Olmert thanked the French President for his congratulations and said that relations with France were very important to Israel.  He added that he intends to enhance the personal relationship that has been formed between French President Chirac and Prime Minister Sharon.