(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-22 14:28

KABUL -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy paid an unannounced visit to Afghan capital city of Kabul on Saturday, an official at Afghan presidential palace said.

"His Excellency the French President is currently in Kabul," the official told Xinhua but he refused to be named.

This is Sarkozy's first visit to Afghanistan since assuming presidential office.

Local newspaper Rah-e-Nejat quoting sources reported that Sarkozy would spend Christmas holidays with French troops in Afghanistan.

Italian Prime Minister Roman Prodi, according to the newspaper, would also visit Afghanistan during Christmas holidays.

More than 1,000 French troops and some jet fighters within the framework of NATO have been stationed in Afghanistan to help stabilize the war-ravaged country.