France's president-elect Nicolas Sarkozy will begin his foray into international diplomacy by meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is preparing to leave office after ten years. The two leaders, both in their 50s, have a good relationship and share similar views on various issues, including the reformation of the European constitutional treaty that was rejected by French voters in 2005. Their discussions, set to begin at 1530 GMT, will focus on important upcoming European Union and G8 meetings. Blair's spokesperson mentioned that the talks will cover topics such as the EU treaty and climate change, following up on the Gleneagles agenda. Blair, who will step down on June 27, publicly welcomed Sarkozy's election with a message in French on the YouTube website. He indicated that the success of the right-wing leader provided a great opportunity for collaboration between Britain and France in the future. Sarkozy is in favor of a less ambitious treaty for updating the EU's institutions to be approved by parliament and has rejected the idea of holding another referendum on the constitution. Blair's spokesperson stated that he does not speak on behalf of Nicolas Sarkozy and that they will discuss this matter. The prime minister is in favor of a revised treaty rather than a complete constitution. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who Sarkozy will meet after officially taking on his presidential role, has made bringing back the charter a top priority of her EU presidency. Sarkozy has expressed his commitment to addressing the lingering distrust stemming from France's strong opposition to the U.S. and British-led war in Iraq. He has prioritized improving relations with Washington and London. His visit to Berlin next week, on the day he assumes office, demonstrates his recognition of the significance of the traditional alliance with Germany. German government spokesman Thomas Steg described it as an exceptionally strong signal of Franco-German friendship.