Manmohan Singh to be chief guest at French National Day

New Delhi, July 11 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will be chief guest at the French National Day Celebrations in Paris on July 14.

Dr. Singh was invited by French President Nicholas Sarkozy, who was chief guest in last year's Republic Day celebrations. His invitation to Dr. Singh is a gesture of reciprocation.

He will reach Paris on his way to the Egyptian city of Sharm-el-Sheikh to attend the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit.

Cambodian President Hun Sen, who will be on a bilateral visit to France, will also be the guest of honour along with German President Horst Kochler.

A contingent of 400 soldiers from the Army, the Navy and the Air Force will also participate in the French National Day Parade.

The French National Day marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison on July 14, 1789.

Besides, President Sarkozy will host a working lunch for Dr. Singh where they will discuss a wide range of issues, ranging from bilateral issues like defence ties, counter-terrorism cooperation and civilian nuclear trade to global issues like the global economic crisis. (ANI)