The Queen has warned Britain and France that they cannot afford to be divided while facing threats to their security.
Her state visit, which began in Paris, follows a series of tensions between the two countries, most recently over the war in Iraq.
At a banquet hosted by President Jacques Chirac, the Queen, speaking in French, acknowledged the past difficulties between the nations throughout the ages.
"For just as our statesmen and my great grandfather realised 100 years ago, we too need to recognise that we cannot let immediate political pressures, however strongly felt on both sides, stand between us in the longer term.
"We are both reminded that neither of our two great nations, nor Europe, nor the wider western alliance, can afford the luxury of short-term division or discord, in the face of the threats to our security and prosperity that now challenge us all."
The Queen admitted that over the years the two nations' relationship had "not always been smooth" and spoke of the centuries of fierce fighting including at Waterloo and Hastings.
Her fourth state visit to France is celebrating the centenary of the Entente Cordiale - set up to improve diplomatic relations between the two countries.
She spoke of her pride of the role that her great grandfather, King Edward VII, played in ensuring the historic agreement was signed.
The Queen said she hoped her stay, Mr Chirac's return visit to Britain in the autumn and the Anglo-French alliance celebrations would "contribute to a new era of Franco-British partnership".
Raising a toast to the president and the people of France, she declared: "Vive la difference, mais vive L'Entente Cordiale."
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