LONDON, March 26 (UPI) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy told the British Parliament he wanted to forge a new "brotherhood" between countries.
In his address to both houses of Parliament, Sarkozy said France and Britain were stronger as allies and his country would "never forget" what Britain did to "free France" during the World Wars I and II, the BBC reported.
For the 27 European Union countries, Sarkozy said the French-German alliance was an "indispensable driving force," but a British-French coalition would unite the countries.
He also said he would propose increasing his country's commitment in Afghanistan during a NATO summit in Bucharest.
"If these proposals are accepted, then France will suggest strengthening its presence," he said.
"We cannot afford to lose Afghanistan," he said. "We cannot afford to see the Taliban and al-Qaida returning to Kabul. Whatever the cost, however difficult the victory, we cannot afford it. We must win."
Later at a state banquet, Queen Elizabeth II said the countries had a "respectful but competitive relationship."
Sarkozy told the audience at Windsor Castle that Britain and France were "two democracies, two lands of freedom, two lands of justice, two lands of solidarity."
