The trip to France was meant to precede a Paris meeting aimed at ending the crippling political deadlock in Lebanon. But the French foreign ministry said yesterday the conference had been postponed and could take place in mid-July.

Sarkozy's spokesman said the president and the king, who were meeting for the first time, had "discussed major economic cooperation projects" and had agreed that their advisors would draw up a review of these projects.

The Saudi leader met with Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner earlier in the day and both men reaffirmed their support Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in his trial of strength with Hamas rivals, French officials said.

Abdullah arrived in France from Spain, where he had met with King Juan Carlos and held talks on economic relations and the situation in the Middle East with Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.

Juan Carlos bestowed on the king Spain's highest distinction, the Order of the Golden Fleece.

The pro-communist opposition group United Left dubbed the award an "insult to democrats," charging that Saudi Arabia "does not respect basic human rights," particularly those of women.

Abdullah is due to head to Poland on June 24 before leaving for Egypt and Jordan between June 25 and June 28, according to Saudi diplomatic sources.