French President Jacques Chirac on Tuesday urged, in his last televised address during his mandate, French people to remain "all the time united and solidary."

Chirac invited his compatriots to find the "essentials" in "dialogue" and in "concord," despite "the differences of conception and the divergences of views."

"One nation, it's a family. This bond which unites us is our most precious property," he declared.

Chirac is expected to hand over the key of French presidential palace l'Elysee on Wednesday to President-elect Nicolas Sarkozy.

In the address made in a calm tone in the eve of the handover, Chirac expressed his "respect," his "admiration," and his "affection" for French people who he has served with "great honor."

Chirac also said that he would engage in the "cultural dialogue" and "durable development" after his departure from l' Elysee.

"From tomorrow, I will continue my engagement in the fight for cultural dialogue and for the durable development. I will do it with my experience and my willingness to bring forward the concrete project in France and in the world," Chirac said.

Editor: Donald