Sarkozy to launch strategic partnership with Romania

(PARIS) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy will launch a strategic partnership with Romania during a one-day visit to Bucharest on Monday, his spokesman said.

The partnership will provide for broad cooperation including in the area of defence and security with Romania, which joined the European Union in January of last year.

"The goal of the visit is to expand on this exceptional relationship and reach a new level by creating a true strategic partnership," said spokesman David Martinon.

In Bucharest, Sarkozy will have lunch with President Traian Basescu and hold talks with Prime Minister Calin Tariceanu before addressing a joint session of parliament.

Sarkozy has embarked on a series of trips to European capitals to prepare the French presidency of the European Union in July.