PARIS, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in Jordan on Friday on a "private visit at the invitation of King" Abdullah II, according to the French presidential office l'Elysee.

    The French president was "invited by the Jordanian king to spend the weekend at his official residence" and the invitation had been issued by Abdullah II "between Christmas and New Year," the office announced on Friday.

    Sarkozy will visit archaeological sites including the ancient city of Petra. He will also hold talks with King Abdullah II on the situation in the Middle East.