France on Friday joined India in its efforts to avert a war against Iraq.

"I think it is important for India and France to extract a joint message for peace in the region [West Asia]. The positions [of New Delhi and Paris] are extremely similar," French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin said after the ceremonial welcome on the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Raffarin, who arrived in New Delhi from Banglore on Thursday night, said the two sides would discuss all issues with special emphasis on the fight against terrorism.

He reiterated the French position that there 'is no such thing as a good terrorist'.

The French leader said the 'visit promises to be extremely positive as friendship between India and France is longstanding and a strong one. The visit will enable us to promote our cooperation still further'.

Raffarin will hold talks with his counterpart Atal Bihari Vajpayee and will call on President A P J Abdul Kalam.

Raffarin and Vajpayee will hold discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations and exchange views on the Iraq crisis, Afghanistan, West Asia developments and other regional and international issues.