New Delhi, Jan 25 : India and France today reiterated the importance of strategic partnership between India and the European Union.

France is due to take over the Presidency of the EU beginning July 2008. During the French Presidency, efforts will be undertaken to enhance ties through the mechanism of the Joint India-EU Action Plan.

In a joint statement, Indian and France expressed their commitment for an early and mutually beneficial conclusion of the negotiations for India-EU Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement.

French President Nicholas Sarkozy, who arrived here today on a two-day visit, extended an invitation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to pay an official visit to France during EU-India summit this year. Dr. Singh has accepted the invitation in principle. (ANI)