Morales seeks support from France

Mr Morales is hoping to gain international support

Bolivia's President-elect Evo Morales has met French President Jacques Chirac in Paris on the latest stage of an international tour.

The two leaders discussed proposals by Mr Morales to partially nationalise Bolivia's gas and oil reserves.

The French energy firm, Total, is one of several foreign companies involved in Bolivia's natural gas industry.

Mr Morales, wearing his trademark jeans and shirt,thanked Mr Chirac for supporting Bolivia's indigenous people.

French officials said the Bolivian leader told Mr Chirac that he wants foreign firms, including Total, to continue to invest in his country, which has the second largest gas reserves in South America after Venezuela.

Mr Chirac told Mr Morales it was important to provide legal security for foreign investors in its gas and oil supplies.

Mr Morales, a former union leader, said he had received "unconditional solidarity and support" from Mr Chirac.

"I want to express my respect and admiration for the president of France and his government for defending the rights of the indigenous peoples of America," he said.

He said Mr Chirac expressed his "admiration for the profound changes we are undertaking" and pledged social and financial support to Bolivia.

The French president made no comment to reporters following his 45-minute meeting with the Latin American leader.

'Happy'

Earlier, his office said Mr Chirac was "very happy to see the first representative of an Indian nation assume the responsibilities of the president of Bolivia".

Mr Morales, an Aymara Indian from a poor region in the Bolivian highlands, will become Bolivia's first indigenous leader in its 180-year history when he takes office on 22 January.

Mr Morales visited the French president's ornate 18th century Elysee Palace wearing black jeans and an open-collar shirt under a leather jacket.

Over the past four days, Mr Morales has also visited Venezuela, Spain, Belgium and Holland and France. He heads next to China, South Africa and Brazil.