Will U.S. visit help Sarkozy win back support?
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French President Nicolas Sarkozy made a two-day visit to the White House in an effort to win support in Washington and save himself from political troubles at home.
Sarkozy's visit reaffirmed relations between the two allies and the French president discussed the differences between Europe and the United States. Solutions to bridge those differences, however, remain a question.
Relations reaffirmed
During his stay in the United States, Sarkozy held talks with U.S. President Barack Obama in the White House and joined a family dinner with the president.
Obama said the U.S.-France relationship endures despite differences between the two countries.
"France is our oldest ally, and one of our closest. We are two great republics bound by common ideals that have stood together for more than two centuries," Obama told reporters after a meeting between the two presidents.
The two presidents agreed to make joint efforts to address a series of issues, including economic recovery, climate change, the nuclear stalemate with Iran, Israeli-Palestinian talks and operations in Afghanistan.
Obama said he appreciated Sarkozy's decision to bring France back into NATO's military wing and strong French support for the U.S.-led operations in Afghanistan. He said he did not ask Sarkozy to beef up France's military presence in Afghanistan.
About 3,750 French troops have been deployed in Afghanistan. The Obama administration has expected more military support from France, but Sarkozy is facing a record low 30-percent support for domestic affairs, including a military presence in Afghanistan.
Sanctions on IranThe nuclear stalemate with Iran obviously was highlighted at the Obama-Sarkozy meeting. Both presidents voiced a clear stance on sanctioning Iran over its nuclear program.
Obama said the United States and France are united on preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He also said that he expects that stiff sanctions on Iran through the UN Security Council would come in weeks instead of months.
Sarkozy, voicing strong support for Obama, said that France, Britain and Germany would "make all necessary efforts to ensure that Europe as a whole engages in the sanction regime."
The U.S., Israel and Europe, deeply concerned over Iran's nuclear program, have also been seeking support from Russia and China for tougher sanctions against Iran under the UN framework.
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