27 March 2008
The UK and France will work more closely together "at the heart of a global Europe", the Prime Minister has said.
- Read the UK France joint communique - pdf, 160 KB
- Watch the Press Conference - Windows Media Player
- Watch the Press Conference - Real Player
- Read the transcript
Speaking at a joint press conference with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, the Prime Minister said that a new "entente amicale" would see Britain and France "at the centre of Europe" and able to "change things for the future". He outlined a number of shared initiatives around economic and institutional reform, defence and development.
Mr Sarkozy said that he was "determined" that the UK be closely involved in the EU and that the Franco-British relationship was vital for the future of both nations.
The PM said that the two countries would combine efforts to reform international institutions such as the UN and the World Bank. One specific measure sought by both the UK and France was to see the International Monetary Fund develop an early warning system to highlight problems in the global economy.
The UK and France will also engage in greater defence cooperation and burden sharing, such as through pooled resources for helicopters and other equipment in Afghanistan. The two leaders added that they had a shared outlook on other international questions such as Burma, Darfur and Tibet, calling for "restraint and dialogue" in China over the Tibetan issue.
Mr Brown outlined plans for more frequent bilateral meetings, including six-monthly summits of senior ministers and a task force to increase cooperation on a range of issues including the environment and failed states.
Prior to the press conference the PM and President Sarkozy announced an initiative to fund the schooling of 16 million children in Africa by the time of the South African World Cup in 2010.
- Sarkozy arrives at Number 10
- France and Britain pledge school places
- Go to our International section
Image copyright: Reuters
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