BRITAIN:GORDON BROWN and Nicolas Sarkozy vied yesterday to define their ambitions for a new era of Anglo-French relations, promising an entente formidable while predicting the forthcoming French presidency of the EU could prove "historic".
Speaking at a joint press conference at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in north London, the British prime minister said both countries were "at the heart" of what they wanted to be an outward-looking and globally focused Europe.
"We both favour a strong relationship with our American partners. We agree that only by working together can we confront the challenges we face from terrorism, from climate change, poverty, disease and failed states.
"We believe that working together, France and Britain can be an even greater force for good in the world of tomorrow and so, if you like, this will be an entente formidable as well," declared Mr Brown.
Some of the questioning reflected wider doubts in Britain about how long it might take old quarrels and divisions to reassert themselves in the afterglow of this highly successful two-day state visit. However president Sarkozy was in no mood to contemplate failure on any front - even in areas of open policy disagreement - as he basked in a wave of warm coverage for his powerful speech to the joint houses of parliament on Wednesday, and acres of print proclaiming his wife Carla Bruni the undisputed "First Lady of Chic".
Mr Sarkozy also admitted he was "deeply moved" by the reception afforded his wife and "proud" that people had had the opportunity "to see her for what she is".
The new Mrs Sarkozy had been "an honour" to France, the president said with passion: "I think she has been an honour to our country, and not just because of the way she looks, but beyond that everyone understands that this is a woman who has beliefs, sensitivity, a humane person . . . and this sensitivity, these beliefs, this humanity are what contribute to Carla's elegance."
When asked by the French newspaper Le Figaroabout the flattering British press coverage of his wife's behaviour, if she was "stealing his thunder" and whether it might all have been "a bit too much", the president said the question implied the journalist had "a very infelicitous experience" of what being married meant.
For all their talk of a strengthening and deepening relationship, Mr Brown and Mr Sarkozy were asked if both sides would really feel as good about each other "on the morning after the night before". Mr Brown gave an emphatic "yes" and a list of common approaches illustrating "a shared vision" on the global economy and environment, security issues including conflict prevention, and Africa. In the more relaxed style to which many Britons have taken an instant shine, the president joked that this was certainly "more than a one-night stand" and that they could "go into the next-day breakfast as well".
As part of the new " entente amicable" proclaimed by president Sarkozy on Wednesday, the two sides confirmed their intention to hold regular bilateral summits and to increase co-operation on immigration, defence and the economy.
Their 36-page communiqué also outlined plans for the reform and expansion of the G8 and the UN Security Council; to promote peace in Darfur and push for greater human rights in Burma; new counter-terrorism measures; tightening of border controls at Calais; and co-operation on a new generation of nuclear power plants by sharing information on safety, security and waste disposal.
At the same time president Sarkozy sought to counter impressions that the new Franco-British relationship was being developed at the expense of the Franco-German axis. "This alliance is stronger because it is not being built against anyone," he insisted.