Britain's Defence Deal With France Will Survive Cameron-Sarkozy Eurozone Fallout

Still 'Kozy: The 'Warm Relationship' Between Cam And Sarkozy

Britain's defence deal with France will survive the European summit fall out between David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy, senior Conservatives say.

And William Hague claimed the Prime Minister and French president enjoyed "a good, warm relationship" despite their Brussels row.

The Mail on Sunday reported angry clashes between Mr Cameron and President Sarkozy at the European Council on Thursday, claiming the French leader accused the Prime Minister of demanding "unacceptable conditions" as leaders battled to solve the eurozone crisis.

President Sarkozy apparently added: "It has nothing to do with you - you aren't even in the eurozone."

But the Foreign Secretary said the duo's relationship was "very good" and a summit between Britain and France would take place "in the coming weeks".

He added: "They have a frank but good, warm, relationship and all that will continue."

Speaking to Sky News' Murnaghan programme, Mr Hague hailed the two leaders' work to protect civilians in Libya earlier this year, leading to the toppling of Libyan dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

Mr Hague said: "This year the foreign policies of Britain and France have been more closely aligned together than in any year since the Second World War.

"We have seen that through the Libya crisis."

The UK and France agreed to cooperate more closely, particularly over defence, in March 2008. The arrangement saw the two nations spearhead military operations in Libya earlier this year, enforcing a no-fly zone.

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