THE PRESIDENT:
Good morning.
Tomorrow I leave on a trip to Europe, where I will reaffirm the
importance of our transatlantic relationship with our European friends and
allies.
Over the last several weeks the world has witnessed momentous events --
Palestinians voting for an end to violence; Ukrainians standing up for
their democratic rights; Iraqis going to the polls in free elections. And
in Europe, I will talk with leaders at NATO and the European Union about
how we can work together to take advantage of the historic opportunities
now before us.
Leaders on both sides of the Atlantic understand
that the hopes for peace in the world depend on the continued unity of
free nations. We do not accept a false caricature that divides the Western
world between an idealistic United States and a cynical Europe. America
and Europe are the pillars of the free world. We share the same belief in
freedom and the rights of every individual, and we are working together
across the globe to advance our common interest and common values.
In Iraq, our shared commitment to free elections has stripped the car
bombers and assassins of their most powerful weapon, their claim to
represent the wishes and aspirations of the Iraqi people. In these
elections, the European Union provided vital technical assistance. NATO is
helping to train army officers, police and civilian administrators of a
new Iraq. And 21 of our European coalition partners are providing forces
on the ground. America and Europe are also working together to advance the
cause of peace in the Holy Land, where we share the same goal of two
democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and
freedom.
In my inaugural address I said that the liberty we espouse is a
universal aspiration. Many Americans trace their roots back to Europe, and
we can trace many of our founding ideals there, as well. It was a
Frenchman who taught the framers of our Constitution the importance of the
separation of powers. It was a Scot who explained the virtues of a free
market. It was an Englishman who challenged us to correct the principal
defect of our founding, the plague of slavery. And it was an Italian who
gave us our name: America.
America's strong ties to Europe are reflected in the largest two-way
trading and investment relationship in the world. Today more than a fifth
of all U.S. exports go to the European Union, and millions of Americans
depend for their paychecks on the local affiliates of European parent
companies.
I will work with our European partners to open markets and expand
opportunities for our businesses, our workers and farmers, and to advance
the Doha Round of trade talks. I will make clear that one of my top
priorities is to reduce the remaining European barriers to U.S.
agricultural goods.
Even the best of friends do not agree on everything. But at the dawn of
the 21st century, the deepest values and interests of America and Europe
are the same: defeating terrorism, conquering poverty, expanding trade and
promoting peace. On both sides of the Atlantic, terrorist attacks on our
cities and civilians have shown that freedom has dangerous enemies, and
that the key to a lasting peace is the advance of human liberty.
Today, security and justice and prosperity for our world depend on
America and Europe working in common purpose. That makes our transatlantic
ties as vital as they have ever been. And during my visit to Europe next
week I will discuss with our friends and allies how we can strengthen
those ties to build a future of peace and freedom for our children.
Thank you for listening. |