Obama, Sarko Pledge United Front

Nicolas Sarkozy and President Obama pledged cooperation today on a host of international issues, from Afghanistan to Iranian nukes, the AP reports. “It feels really good to work with a US president who wants to change the world,” said Sarkozy at their press conference. It’s a “'helluva’ good piece of news for 2009.” Obama, for his part, said, "We're looking forward to being partners with Europe."

In a symbolic move, Sarkozy said France is willing to accept a prisoner from Guantanamo Bay if that helps speed the closing of the facility. On another front, he said, "We totally endorse and support America's new strategy in Afghanistan," and pledged to help with police training. Obama, meanwhile, emphasized ties with Moscow. "It is important for NATO allies to engage Russia and to recognize that we have some common interests (but) that in some instances we also have differences."
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