The Japanese prime minister, Keizo Obuchi, has arrived in France on the first leg of a European tour which is expected to concentrate on economic issues.

He'll meet President Chirac and his French counterpart, Lionel Jospin, during his two-day visit.

The role of the Japanese currency, the Yen, in the international currency markets, following the launch of the new Euro currency, will be one of the main points in Mr Obuchi's talks with European leaders.

Mr Obuchi will travel on to Italy and Germany later in the week.