Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in London today for a two-day state visit at which he hoped to create a "new Franco-British brotherhood" to face such issues a nuclear energy, defense, immigration, and the downturn in the global economy.

The French president - accompanied by his glamorous wife, the model-turned-singer Carla Bruni-Sarkozy - was greeted by the Queen, rows of cavalrymen and a military band.

He was making the first state visit to Britain by a French president in 12 years.

The leader nicknamed the "bling-bling president" because of his extravagant tastes, appeared reserved and somber in a dark overcoat as he reviewed the Horse Guards - part of a concerted effort in recent weeks to appear more statesmanlike.

During the 36-hour trip he will be a guest of the queen at Windsor Castle, hold talks with Gordon Brown and address members of both Houses of Parliament.

Mr Sarkozy is seeking to demonstrate that, under his leadership, France is putting aside differences over the Iraq war and revitalizing relations with both the UK and the United States.

In an interview Mr Sarkozy said France is committed to NATO's action in Afghanistan and indicated he is willing to send more troops to the country if France's allies are also ready to stay, give Afghans more responsibility and better coordinate nonmilitary efforts.

"Can we afford to lose in Afghanistan?" Mr Sarkozy said in a Radio 4 interview. "Of course not. In Afghanistan, what is at stake is part of our battle against world terrorism."

Mr Sarkozy also stressed his admiration for what he called British strength and dynamism, calling for "a new Franco-British brotherhood."

"It has been long enough now that we have not been at war, that we are not wrangling. Perhaps we can move from being cordial to being friendly -that's my first message."

Mr Sarkozy's meetings with Mr Brown tomorrow will touch on a number of weighty topics: expansion of France's military role in NATO and Afghanistan, a possible joint nuclear energy programme, immigration, and the credit crisis that has spread from the United States to Europe.

"I believe that our talks over the next few days will be very constructive," Mr Brown told the House of Commons today.

Rows of red-jacketed mounted cavalrymen lined the route as the president and his new wife arrived at Windsor Castle and were formally received by the Queen and Prince Philip.

Bruni-Sarkozy, in a smart high-necked gray jacket and matching hat, curtsied as she was introduced to the queen. French tricolors and Union flags fluttered from lampposts in a light breeze as the band of the Grenadier Guards played the national anthems of both countries.

Despite the welcome relief from the dark-suited politicians and dignitaries her presence brought, Madame Bruni-Sarkozy had a difficult tightrope to walk today.

Her husband is currently attempting to convince French voters that he is a serious politician of real gravitas and hopes that today's visit will cement this new image in the public's mind.

But with the radiant former girlfriend of Mick Jagger by his side he had to make every effort to ensure their behaviour appeared sufficiently statesmanlike.