25 March 2002

Bush Meets with Danish Prime Minister

White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer reported in his briefing March 25 that President Bush had "a very warm and friendly meeting" earlier that day in the Oval Office of the White House with Denmark's Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

"The two leaders discussed their common efforts in the war on terrorism," Fleischer told reporters. "President Bush thanked Denmark, a strong NATO ally, for its contribution in Operation Enduring Freedom, and expressed sorrow for the loss of Danish soldiers there. The two leaders covered their common transatlantic agenda, which included preparations for the upcoming NATO summit this fall, NATO enlargement, as well as their intention to develop a strong new NATO-Russia relationship," Fleischer said.

"The two leaders also had a good discussion about the situation in the Middle East, U.S.-European trade issues, and the common efforts to advance global economic development, especially through open and free trade, economic reforms and good governance with developing nations," Fleischer said.

Bush is scheduled to meet at the White House March 26 with the Prime Minister Helen Clark of New Zealand.