HYDERABAD, Feb 14: The consul general of France, Mr Jean Y. Berthault, visited the fashion and textile department of the Bell Institute here on Monday.

Talking to the chairman of the institute, Mr Farasat Ali Khan, the consul general held out an assurance that French language classes would be started in the institute and brilliant students from Hyderabad would be given scholarships to study in France.

The French diplomat met with students and teachers of the institute and evinced keen interest in the gallery of fine arts and designing of wearing apparels.

He invited the director of the fashion and textile department, Tahira Mukhtar, to organize an exhibition of textile designs and fine arts at the French Embassy to promote local talent in Islamabad.