Cameron meets Hollande over eurozone crisis

British Prime Minister David Cameron and visiting French President Francois Hollande on Tuesday pledged "close collaboration" between the two countries during the latter's first official visit to Britain.

Cameron said France was an "essential and valued partner" of Britain and the two countries were "committed to a very close collaboration."

"There will always be areas where we don't agree but we have found much common ground," he said.

Hollande said the visit was a "pleasure" and that despite the fact that they sometimes had different views, the two leaders had agreed on plans for growth in Europe.

"Our relationship has been based on a common intent to put both our countries on the path to growth and recovery," Hollande said.

The French president said France and Britain were in "different positions" regarding the eurozone crisis and the future of the European Union.

"Great Britain has no intention to join the eurozone. France would like integration and solidarity within the eurozone," Hollande said. "At the same time, we fully understand each other's position."

"We should see Europe as having different speeds and each can act at its own speed while respecting the other countries and this is the way to build a trusting and strong relationship," he added.

The two leaders also discussed defense and international issues.

This is Hollande's first visit to Britain as French president. He and Cameron held a working lunch in Downing Street before he went to meet the Queen.