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 15 May 2008 13:03 BST

Sarkozy seeks "Franco-British brotherhood" on state visit

Wednesday, 26 Mar 2008 20:08
Nicolas Sarkozy to call for more cooperation on two-day state visit of UK
French president Nicolas Sarkozy has outlined his wish for a 21st century "entente amicale" between France and the UK as his two-day state visit to Britain continues.

Addressing a joint session of both the Commons and the Lords in the Palace of Westminster's Royal Gallery, Mr Sarkozy said France and the UK should put aside "centuries of mistrust" and foster a "Franco-British brotherhood".

Mr Sarkozy's speech followed his arrival with his new wife, Italian model and singer Carla Bruni, at Heathrow airport on Wednesday morning.

They were greeted by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall for the first full state visit from a French president in 12 years. The president and his wife then travelled to Windsor Castle where they were received by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

Mr Sarkozy will attend talks with British prime minister Gordon Brown at Downing Street on Thursday before co-hosting a Franco-British summit at the Emirates Stadium in north London, home to Arsenal Football Club.

In his address to both MPs and peers in a rare joint session of parliament, the French president enthusiastically described the similarities of France and Britain in terms of nuclear power, permanent UN security council membership and comparable GDP, armed forces and population sizes.

Unity between the two countries could be used to "convince and remind the US" of its duties but it would also be crucial for the future growth of the European Union, he pressed.

"Europe needs the United Kingdom," he said, attracting applause from MPs and peers in the packed chamber.

He described France and the UK as the "best incarnations of Europe" and said the EU represented the "intermingled destines" of the two countries.

"Together we are stronger than simply standing side by side, let alone standing against one another. And that is the political message that I want to get across to you today," Mr Sarkozy said.

The French president's speech covered a range of international topics including the Taliban threat in Afghanistan, the need for agreement on a post-Kyoto protocol and "Iran's nuclear ambitions".

He finished by drawing attention to the "same vision for the future" between Britain and France.

"Long live Franco-British friendship," he concluded, before receiving a standing ovation.End of story

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