Mr Sarkozy, who returned France to NATO's integrated military command last year, argues that Russia needs to be treated as a partner rather than a threat, especially if the West wants its help over such matters as Iran's nuclear programme.

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France is the only power among NATO's 19 allies whose military forces are not part of the alliance's integrated command structure.

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Even before France rejoined NATO's integrated military structure last year, British and French forces had frequently worked and fought together under the command of one or other country.

ECONOMIST: The Anglo-French defence pact