President Zapatero is in Paris today for the 20th bilateral summit between the two neighbouring countries, and the first since Mr Sarkozy took office last May.

A statement issued by the Spanish government explains that the talks will focus on the fight against domestic and international terrorism, immigration and a planned shared electricity supply network.

With respect to cross-border collaboration in the fight against ETA, the two leaders are expected to sign a statement of intent to drive a plan to create a permanent joint investigative police force, which, although approved, has not yet been implemented.

Regarding plans for the shared electrical connection, that will pass through the western Pyrenees, Mr Zapatero is aiming to sign an agreement for work on the project to start by the start of this summer.

With regards to immigration, it is expected that the two leaders will discuss plans to coordinate better the repatriation of illegals from Spain, France, and other EU members.