In the last week President Bush has met with the leaders of France and Germany.
Last week President Sarkozy was given the rare honour of addressing a joint session of the United States Congress. Read his remarks here.
Over the weekend President Bush met with Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor and they discussed Iran and Pakistan.
The new warmth between Washington and Paris and Berlin contrasts hugely with the period when Chirac and Schroeder were in office. The changes haven't just been on the European side, however. Since the earlier days of his presidency, George W Bush has appeared more willing to pursue multilateral approaches to international problems. In his talks with Chancellor Merkel he emphasised the importance of a diplomatic solution to Iran. Meanwhile European leaders continue to criticise America for its approach to climate change. Although the relationships are much friendlier Germany and France have yet to order their troops in Afghanistan to fully support NATO operations against the Taliban. Over time, however, America hopes for concrete results from the resumed dialogue.
Later today, in his Mansion House speech, Gordon Brown will - it is reported - pledge stronger links with the United States. He will describe America has Britain's number one ally. Relations between Downing Street and the White House have become cool because of the UK's withdrawal from southern Iraq and because of unhelpful remarks by new Foreign Office Minister, Lord Malloch-Brown. Malloch-Brown's criticisms of America when he was at the United Nations did not endear him to Republicans. Last week Britain's Spectator magazine revealed that 'MMB' was under fire for his use of taxpayer-funded accommodation.
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