French President Nicolas Sarkozy is due to welcome his Syrian counterpart, Bashar Assad, to the Elysee Palace.

The meeting, part of a weekend of diplomatic efforts centred on the Middle East, marks a return to the world stage for the Syrian president.

Relations between the two countries became strained following the assassination in 2005 of Lebanon's former Prime Minister, Rafiq Hariri.

France accused Damascus of involvement, which Syria denied.

'Boost'

Mr Sarkozy will later host a meeting between Mr Assad and Lebanon's newly-elected president, Michel Suleiman, a day after the formation of a new unity government in Beirut.

The Paris visit is a big boost for Mr Assad, helping Syria to break out of its diplomatic isolation, says BBC world affairs correspondent Nick Childs.

But critics say it is too much of a reward, when there are still serious question-marks over human rights in Syria and its role in the killing of the former Lebanese prime minister, Rafiq Hariri.

Mr Sarkozy is also due to hold talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who will be a key player in the French leader's plan for a union of Mediterranean states, our correspondent adds.

(BBC)

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