Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Brown and Sarkozy seal 'Entente Formidable'

Three months before France takes over the EU Presidency, President Nicolas Sarkozy used his state visit to Britain to revive the Franco-British alliance, seeking stronger cooperation on energy, climate change, immigration and defence.

"It is not simply a matter of a one-night stand. I believe that we can go into the next day's breakfast as well," Sarkozy said during a joint press conference with Brown following the bilateral summit, held at the Emirates Stadium home of Arsenal football club in North London. 

In the tradition of the British-Franco "Entente Cordiale" dating from 1904, Brown offered France an "Entente Formidable", responding to Sarkozy's invitation of an "Entente Amicable" in his speech to both chambers of the UK Parliament on Wednesday (26 March). 

In his speech, which was greeted with a standing ovation, Sarkozy urged both countries to "overcome our long-standing rivalries and build together a future that will be stronger because we will be together". However, he also called upon the UK to play a bigger role within the EU.

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