PARIS, Oct. 4 (Xinhuanet) -- French President Jacques Chirac planned to discuss French Rafale fighter jet deal with Singapore's leaders during his incoming visit to Singapore on Wednesday, Chirac's office declared Monday.

    The deal is to be mentioned during their talks, said Chirac's spokesman Jerome Bonnafont at a news conference, adding that "but we don't expect the Singaporean government to make a decision before the start of next year."

    Chirac is to meet and have a working dinner on Wednesday with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, son of Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew.

    Singapore has close economic and military ties with France and is the only country to have launched a bid in which there is Rafale with two other rivals aircraft: Eurofighter and the US F-15.After a test during the summer, Singapore is likely to order some 20 fighter jets. Enditem ¡¡