WASHINGTON [MENL] -- Saudi Arabia could expand relations with France as a balance to the kingdom's deteriorating strategic ties with Britain and the United States.

The Washington Institute said in a report that the Saudi kingdom could seek to augment or replace strategic ties with London and Washington by increasing relations with France. The institute cited a French report of a defense memorandum of understanding that could pave the way for the French sale of up to $15 billion in aircraft and security projects to Riyad.

The institute's report, authored by Gulf analyst Simon Henderson, was issued on the eve of the meeting between U.S. President George Bush and Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz in Crawford, Texas on Monday. Abdullah, who met Vice President Richard Cheney on Sunday, was expected to face a tough session with Bush. Abdullah and Bush last met three years ago.

"If recent signals from the Saudis are any indication, the talks could be tough," the study said. "Indeed, the frank talk promised for the Crawford summit could well mark a turning point in U.S.-Saudi relations."