French President Nicolas Sarkozy yesterday arrived in London for a two-day state visit at which he hoped to create a "new Franco-British brotherhood" to face such issues as nuclear energy, defense, immigration, and the downturn in the global economy.
The French president, accompanied by his glamorous and model-turned-singer wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, was greeted by Queen Elizabeth II, rows of cavalrymen and a military band. He was making the first state visit to Britain by a French president in 12 years.
The leader nicknamed the "bling-bling president" because of his extravagant tastes, appeared reserved and somber in a dark overcoat as he reviewed the Horse Guards.
During the 36-hour trip he will be a guest of the queen at Windsor Castle, hold talks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and address members of both Houses of Parliament.
Sarkozy is seeking to demonstrate that, under his leadership, France is putting aside differences over the 2003 Iraq war and revitalizing relations with both the UK and the United States.
Sarkozy said yesterday France is committed to NATO's action in Afghanistan and indicated he is willing to send more troops to the country if France's allies are also ready to stay, give Afghans more responsibility and better coordinate nonmilitary efforts.
Sarkozy also stressed his admiration for what he called British strength and dynamism, calling for "a new Franco-British brotherhood."
"It has been long enough now that we have not been at war, that we are not wrangling," he told the BBC. "Perhaps we can move from being cordial to being friendly - that's my first message."
Sarkozy's meetings with Brown today will touch on a number of weighty topics: expansion of France's military role in NATO and Afghanistan, a possible joint nuclear energy program, immigration, and the credit crisis that has spread from the United States to Europe.
"I believe that our talks over the next few days will be very constructive," Brown told lawmakers in the House of Commons.
Rows of red-jacketed mounted cavalrymen lined the route as the couple arrived at Windsor Castle and were formally received by the queen and Prince Philip.
Bruni-Sarkozy, in a smart high-necked gray jacket and matching hat, curtsied as she was introduced to the queen.
Such pomp - and the opportunity to appear dignified - is important to Sarkozy, who is facing a France worried about the cost of living, a stagnant economy and a slowing growth rate. The president's approval ratings have dropped to around 40 percent from a high of around 65 percent in July.
Source: China Daily/Agencies
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