Jerusalem - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is confident that Israel's relations with France will strengthen during Nicolas Sarkozy's presidency, an overnight statement from the premier's office said. "I am convinced that cooperation between us will be fruitful and that together we will be able to advance diplomatic activity and peace in our region," Olmert said, describing France as "one of the most important and influential countries in both Europe and the world."
Israel's relations with France are often tense, with Israeli leaders viewing Paris' policy toward the Jewish state as one-sided in favour of the Palestinians.
