French president Francois Hollande thanked president Enrique Peña Nieto for inviting him to visit the country. 

"France and Mexico are writing a new page", said Hollande. He added that economic development, protecting the planet and security constitute challenges shared by the two countries.

During his visit, Hollande will bestow the Legion of Honor on Mario Molina, a Mexican scientist who won the Nobel Chemistry prize.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, Culture Minister Aurelie Filippetti and Social Affairs Minister Marisol Touraine accompany Hollande, who will be decorated with the Order of the Aztec Eagle for his contribution to strengthening relations between France and Mexico.

Hollande will also inaugurate a sculptural passage dedicated to late Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes and will be awarded the keys to Mexico City. 

Bilateral relations between Mexico and France were affected by the case of French national Florence Cassez, accused of kidnapping and sentenced to 60 years of prison. However, after a Supreme Court ruling Cassez was released and returned to France. 

grs