Jovial meeting between Key, Sarkozy

Prime Minister John Key and French President Nicolas Sarkozy canvassed a range of issues including the world economy, climate change and the Afghanistan conflict during a brief meeting in Paris today (NZT).

The 45-minute meeting took place at the Elysee Palace.

It was a convivial one, with Mr Key presenting Mr Sarkozy with Rugby World Cup cufflinks, and the pair laughing and shaking hands as Mr Key left the palace.

Mr Key said Mr Sarkozy, the chairman of international economy forums G8 and G20, had wide-ranging views and was keen to see progress in the world's economy, Fairfax media reported.

"He recognises, as the G20 and the G8 do, that the imbalances that are currently in place need to be unwound. He believes strongly in investment that needs to take place and that we need to address those issues upfront."

Climate change was also on the agenda, with the pair discussing the need for more progress before the United Nations climate change conference in Durban at the end of the year.

With regard to Afghanistan, Mr Key said both had agreed the work being done in the country was important.

"But like everyone we are looking to see a final conclusion and the full handover of power to the Afghan people."

Mr Key also used the opportunity to push New Zealand's bid for a UN Security Council seat.

"That's something we are hopeful will be successful but that's obviously a contested issue, with Turkey also putting its name into the ring," he said.

Earlier this week, he met the Queen and British Prime Minister David Cameron in London.

He is due to return to the city later today to meet the Prince of Wales and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne.

Tomorrow he will attend the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton and will return to New Zealand on Saturday.

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