He made a state visit to France in 1975 , cementing close ties with some French business and ruling political circles .
After the oil crisis of 1973 , France had changed to a more pro-Arab policy and was accordingly rewarded by Saddam with closer ties .
Saddam made a state visit to France in 1975 , cementing close ties with some France business and ruling political circles .
After the oil crisis of 1973 , France had changed to a more pro-Arab policy and was accordingly rewarded by Saddam with closer ties .