The Prime Minister has described UK-French relations as “entente formidable au soleil” during a summit in France.
Gordon Brown was in the French town of Evian-les-Bains where he spoke to Mr Sarkozy about the upcoming G8, the economy and the situation in Iran and Burma.
The leaders released six declarations:
- Declaration on international climate negotiations
- Declaration on immigration
- Declaration on global governance and development
- Declaration on nuclear energy
- Declaration on defence and security
- Declaration on promoting a European industrial ambition
The PM and President Sarkozy vowed to work closely together to secure jobs and growth during the economic downturn.
Mr Brown said the two leaders remained concerned about bank lending and had agreed to accelerate reforms for tax havens - a deadline for sanctions has now been set for March 2010.
But he said the two countries also planned to work closely together to look at investment in strategic sectors such as biotechnology and digital, nuclear and low-carbon industries.
“We have a duty to our populations to do what we can to maintain jobs and create new jobs in difficult times.”
“President Sarkozy and I share a vision of a better future. It is a partnership based on shared values.”
During a joint press conference the Prime Minister said he was grateful for French support following the expulsion of UK diplomats from Iran.
Gordon Brown will meet Mr Sarkozy again later in the week when both leaders travel to Italy to attend the G8 meeting in L’Aquila.
Speeches and transcripts: Press conference with President Sarkozy
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