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Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, has lauded Gordon Brown for pushing the European Union's Lisbon treaty through parliament, and urged the Prime Minister to make Britain a "full member" of the union.
Mr Sarkozy heaped praise on Mr Brown as the two leaders proclaimed a "new step" in relations between Britain and France, signalling increased co-operation on issues including defence and immigration.
Mr Sarkozy has spoken of replacing the entente cordiale with a new "entente amicable". Mr Brown went further, hailing an "entente formidable."
Speaking after a summit of British and French ministers in London, Mr Brown said: "This is a new step in the dynamic relationship between Britain and France. Together we will tackle the challenges of a new global era."
Such ministerial meetings will now be held every six months, and officials will meet every three months to discuss areas of co-operation.
Mr Sarkozy, who on Wednesday paid tribute to Britain in a speech to both Houses of Parliament, lavished personal compliments on Mr Brown.
"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." ~~John 15:5~~