French President Nicolas Sarkozy has begun his first official visit to the US since coming to power.

He is due to address a joint session of Congress and hold talks with US President George W Bush.

Sarkozy is also presenting the Legion of Honour, France's highest award, to several US citizens.

The two presidents are expected to discuss the issue of Iran's nuclear ambitions, about which officials say they are in close agreement.

Correspondents say the visit will help heal the divisions between the two countries that came to a head when France opposed the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.