ISLAMABAD, July 26: French Foreign Minister Dominique De Villepin is starting an official visit to the South Asia from Aug 2, diplomatic sources said.

Mr Villepin will come first to Islamabad. After holding talks with Pakistani officials he will leave for New Delhi on Aug 3, the sources added.

Besides discussing the regional situation in the context of Pakistan-India military tensions, the French foreign minister will also discuss issues concerning the cooperation between Pakistan and France, with particular reference to the Agosta submarine project.

Eleven French technicians involved in manufacturing the Agosta Class submarine were killed in a terrorist attack in Karachi earlier this year.

Despite these killings, the French government has vowed to continue its collaboration with Pakistan, particularly in the defence sector.