French President Nicolas Sarkozy, centre, is applauded by Quebec Premier Jean Charest, right, and members of Quebec's national assembly on Friday in Quebec City. (Jacques Boissinot/Canadian Press)The world needs a strong, united Canada that can take a leadership role in the global financial crisis, according to French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The French president made the comment at a joint news conference in Quebec City with Prime Minister Stephen Harper following a short meeting Friday with José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission.

"Canada has always been France's ally," Sarkozy said. "Frankly, if there is anyone who tells me that in today's world, we need more division, we do not see the world in the same way."

France's attachment to Quebec does not imply defiance toward Canada, because Canadian federalism respects diversity, Sarkozy said.

The leaders met to discuss launching negotiations on a free-trade partnership between the European Union and Canada.

Harper said it is increasingly important for Canada and Europe to work together and remove trade barriers.

All three men agreed on defining a mandate for negotiations, and talks will commence in early 2009, Harper confirmed.

"There is a pressing need for us to work together," Harper added. "These times call for closer economic co-operation."

Sarkozy speech at Quebec's legislature a first

Sarkozy addressed Quebec's national assembly Friday afternoon, the first time a French president has ever spoken at the legislature.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke about the global economic crisis at a news conference in Quebec City. (Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press)He spoke of the "profound, reciprocal affection" between the two nations, adding that while "Canadians are our friends, the Québécois are our family."

The French president called for a deeper relationship with Canada and Quebec, a "modern transatlantic partnership" with stronger economic links.

French binds both countries not just as a language, but as a group of values, Sarkozy added.

"Francophonie has to be a vision of the world, of intellectual and moral values, humanism, universalism and rationalism," he said. The francophonie is also a form of "solidarity between the north and the south."

"The world is hurting, and we need to reset a capitalism that is more respectful of humanity," he said.

Former Quebec premiers Bernard Landry, Lucien Bouchard and Pierre-Marc Johnson, and Quebec City Mayor Régis Labeaume attended Sarkozy's speech.

Sarkozy will sit in on some meetings at the Francophonie summit over the next day, but he curtailed his attendance to rendezvous with U.S. President George W. Bush.

He defended that decision, declaring "the quality of a visit cannot be measured by its length."