relation; connection, esp. harmonious or sympathetic relation

Link to present incidents:
French President Jacques Chirac has said he will support the centre-right candidate, Nicolas Sarkozy, in his bid for the presidency.

Once close political allies, the young Mr Sarkozy was a protege of Mr Chirac's until he backed a rival candidate for the 1995 elections, only to see Mr Chirac gain power.

Since then, the two have had an uneasy rapport with mutual admiration mingled with suspicion.