Anglo-French ties founded on “true friendship”
Jacques Chirac has said Anglo-French relations were founded a “true friendship” and as important to France as ties to Germany.
French President Jacques Chirac has concluded his state visit of Britain, saying Anglo-French relations were founded a “true friendship” and as important to France as her ties to Germany.
Mr Chirac is in Britain to celebrate the signing of the Entente Cordiale, a pact signed a century ago, ending the two countries’ colonial rivalry.
Bringing to a close his two-day trip with an address to 200 students at Oxford University, Mr Chirac described Anglo-Franco relations as a progressive friendship but admitted “one or two differences” remained on Iraq.
“Our relationship with Great Britain is as important as our relationship with Germany,” he said.
“Friendship is always progress. It’s not a substitute, it’s an addition.”
France has been and still is at odds with British foreign policy on Iraq.
She sided with Germany in opposing the US-led war, raising concerns of a new Franco-German axis in Europe.
On Thursday, Mr Chirac held talks with Tony Blair and said he doubted the world had become safer since the overthrow of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
Mr Blair said disputes over Iraq were in the past and the two nations were co-operating on a range of global issues.
On Friday, Mr Chirac pledged full support for Britain’s policy on the Middle East, Africa and climate change.
“Even if in our history, and in our recent history, we have had different points of view, it is very clear that this is mere froth on the surface. The reality is that there is a deep and friendly understanding between Britain and France,” he said.
