Will he continue the groundwork that was laid by his predecessor, Jacques Chirac, during the latter half of his second term? There is a strong sense of bewilderment here over whether France's relations across Asia will be as cosy and important as they used to be in years past.

Obviously, Sarkozy has committed himself to at least three foreign objectives. First, he would like to improve trans-Atlantic ties with the United States. His visit to Washington before the election has now been hailed as a vote winner, as well as his "signature" of France's new foreign policy. Sarkozy does not want to follow Chirac's path in relations with the US - considered a close ally of France. He thinks stable relations and stronger cooperation on key issues related to international peace and stability are imperative and will serve as a foundation for global stability. In other words, there is no need for the two powers to constantly quarrel over international politics. The new president has already received applause and a stamp of approval from US lawmakers, both Republican and Democrat. It would not be surprising if Sarkozy is invited to address Congress in the near future to kick off a new phase in the trans-Atlantic relationship.

Regarding Europe, Sarkozy has said France will be an active member of the European Union. As is well known, France has its own vision of Europe. The French rejection of the European charter is a case in point. The strong views on Turkey's future membership of the EU is another, although political analysts here say that when the time comes Sarkozy will amend his position regarding Turkey's admission. They say Sarkozy is a pragmatic leader who will change if his policies or positions are not working. Many policies and measures that Sarkozy has in mind, especially those related to domestic reforms, could further upset his European colleagues.

Third, impoverished, conflict- and disease-ridden Africa is still high on Sarkozy's foreign policy agenda. France is a strong supporter of Africa. It has initiated several programmes to promote development, democracy and transparency in Africa, including economic incentives and debt relief. An overall improvement in quality of life in Africa would also stop the flow of refugees from the continent into France, which is the home of several hundred thousand African asylum seekers. Sarkozy knows he could get tough on immigration, but it would not stop the flood of migrants.

Finally, Asian countries are wondering what is in store for them. Will Asia benefit from a rejuvenated France? During the debates and after the polls, Sarkozy made no mention of an Asian country that mattered to France. Everybody knows that Chirac was passionate about Asia, especially Japan. Even so, that translated into only a marginally more focused policy towards Asia. The highlight of Chirac's diplomacy, apart from France's relations with China, Japan and India, was his country's surprise accession to Asean's 1976 Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in January this year. It immediately placed France at the centre of gravity of Asean's foreign and security policies. In view of rising China and India, France wants to use Asean as a springboard for wider trade and investment in Asia.

For Thailand, Chirac's trip to Bangkok last February was the high point of their 300-year-old relations. Their common plan of action, if fully implemented, would make Thailand's ties with France its best in Europe. The Thai Embassy is elated that France's new ambassador to Thailand is Laurent Bili, a former political and diplomatic adviser to Chirac. Bili, who is scheduled to arrive in Bangkok this week, is also a close friend of the current Thai envoy to France, Thana Duangratana. One Thai official commented: "It is a good start; Sarkozy comes from the same party."

There is consolidation among Asian diplomats here. Sarkozy is known as a leader who takes risks with new initiatives. With that kind of background, it is possible he could spring some surprise regarding France's future relations with Asia or, for that matter, towards Southeast Asia.

Kavi Chongkittavorn