Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.
March 26, 2008

French President Begins State Visit to Britain
----------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1BAA4F3:A6F02AD83191E1605B63D17C462253CA70AD7039DCD7B7E4& Queen Elizabeth
welcomed Nicolas Sarkozy and his new wife Carla Bruni to Windsor
Castle ahead of his address to both houses of Parliament   French
President Nicolas Sarkozy has begun a state visit to Britain aimed at
improving cooperation on defense, immigration and economic policies.







French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy rides in a carriage with the
Britain's Prince Philip towards Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, 26
Mar 2008The heir to Britain's throne, Prince Charles, greeted Mr.
Sarkozy and his new wife Carla Bruni at London's Heathrow airport
early Wednesday afternoon.

Queen Elizabeth welcomed the French leader and his wife to Windsor
Castle ahead of Mr. Sarkozy's address to both houses of Parliament. He
will hold talks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Thursday.

Ahead of his visit, Mr. Sarkozy told British radio he wants to
establish what he called a new Franco-British brotherhood. He also
said he will discuss the global financial crisis, NATO's fight against
insurgents in Afghanistan and illegal immigration.

Mr. Sarkozy has sought to improve ties with Britain and the United
States, which were strained by his predecessor's opposition to the
2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


.