Anglo-French relations are set for another boost with a summit in London next week.

Tony Blair will host the meeting on Monday next week as part of his efforts to reaffirm relations with Paris.

Downing Street revealed on Monday that the prime minister will host a round of meetings and events with President Jacques Chirac, France's prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarrin, foreign minister Dominique de Villepin and other key members of the government.

The annual summit is usually held at this time of year - an exception were the Le Touquet talks in February which had been postponed after a row between President Chirac and Blair over the Iraq war.

Number 10 was quick to play down the significance of the date following hard on the heels of President Bush's state visit.

"This is the latest in the regular series of bi-lateral meetings," said the official spokesman.

Key issues are expected to be Iraq, the EU constitution and "bilateral issues".