Powell a man of 'dialogue and vision': Chirac

After learning of his resignation, Chirac "expressed his friendship and respect for Colin Powell," said the president's spokesman Jerome Bonnafont.

Chirac called Powell a "man of dialogue, well-respected and a man of vision."

The presidential spokesman however had no immediate comment the appointment of US National security advisor Condoleezza Rice as Powell's successor.

Earlier French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier called her a "woman of character".

"France has had very proper relations with her. If she is appointed we will continue to have the same relations," Barnier told Europe 1 radio.

Paying tribute to Powell, Barnier said he was a "true professional of diplomacy. He had a very sure sense of the balance of forces. He was never arrogant, his aim was to persuade."