    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [May 6, 1998]
    [Pages 706-707]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement: The United States and the Republic of Italy: A New
    Partnership for a New Century
    May 6, 1998

        The United States and Italy have built a strong, genuine and
    enduring relationship during more than fifty years of close cooperation.
    Today President Clinton and Prime Minister Prodi assessed the new opportunities and challenges before
    both countries as this century comes to a close and a new millennium
    begins. They agreed on a common agenda to create an even closer
    partnership in the 21st century.
        Transatlantic solidarity remains the indispensable cornerstone of
    the U.S.-Italian relationship and the basis for a Europe secure,
    prosperous and free. As Allies in NATO, participants in the Organization
    for Security and Cooperation in Europe and partners in the U.S.-EU New
    Transatlantic Agenda, the United States and Italy reaffirm their
    confidence in a new Europe and a strong, enduring transatlantic
    community. Our shared commitment to build a better future does not stop
    at Europe's borders, but extends to the Middle East, Africa, Asia and
    Latin America.
        As we move into the next century, the world will require increased
    international cooperation to meet common challenges, foster economic
    development and uphold democracy and human rights. In pursuing these
    goals, we reaffirm our strong support for the international institutions
    we worked to create more than fifty years ago. The United Nations and
    the Bretton Woods institutions must continue to play a key and
    reinforced role in tomorrow's increasingly interdependent world.
        Joint leadership in political and economic areas is essential as we
    strive to enhance European security and address new challenges around
    the globe. We look forward to a historic NATO Summit in Washington in
    April 1999, which will celebrate NATO's fifty years as the most
    successful alliance in history, welcome three new members and prepare
    NATO for another fifty years of close transatlantic cooperation. We
    recognize that maintaining our security will require vigorous efforts by
    the range of Euro-Atlantic institutions to promote stability in
    Southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean.
        An even stronger and more effective Organization for Security and
    Cooperation in Europe is a central part of our vision for a more
    democratic and stable Euro-Atlantic region. We will work closely within
    the OSCE to focus on ways to spread the security, democracy, freedom and
    prosperity enjoyed by Western Europe over the past fifty years to other
    areas of Europe in the coming years.
        Europe is pursuing accelerated political and economic integration
    through the European Union, which the United States has consistently
    supported. Both the United States and Italy recognize the historic step
    just taken by Italy and other EU Members to create an Economic and
    Monetary Union. Italy and Europe can benefit from a successful EMU
    underpinned by sound macroeconomic and structural policies, which would
    also be in the best interests of the United States. Indeed, a successful
    EMU has the potential to benefit the entire transatlantic economic
    relationship, as will our shared determination to reduce barriers to
    trade and to work together in the WTO to promote multilateral trade
    liberalization. The EU, which demonstrates so clearly the vital link
    between democracy and prosperity, will become an even more dynamic
    entity and partner for the United States as it welcomes new members and
    projects increasing stability throughout the Continent.
        We will strengthen our overall cooperation through these
    institutions and other mechanisms to enhance European security. We will
    consult closely on the most effective ways to prevent

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    new conflicts and address threats to security that do arise, as we have
    done in Bosnia and Albania and are doing now in Kosovo. We agree that
    the situation in Kosovo is increasingly serious. The decisions taken by
    the Contact Group in Rome must be implemented. Absent dialogue, the
    conflict will only deepen and spill over, threatening regional security.
    We will continue raising the pressure on Belgrade if it continues to
    obstruct a political resolution. We will also continue efforts underway
    to promote stability in Southeastern Europe through the Southeast Europe
    Cooperation Initiative and other means.
        We are committed to expanding the spectrum of our bilateral
    cooperation in the years ahead. We will increase already strong efforts
    to stem the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
    Our cooperation on law enforcement and judicial matters, particularly in
    the fight against organized crime, terrorism, illegal arms trading, drug
    trafficking and alien smuggling, is exemplary. Our statement today on
    increased efforts to combat international trafficking in women and
    children launches our intensified cooperation in these areas. We will
    also increase our efforts to promote safety on the high seas through the
    International Maritime Organization.
        We agreed to begin negotiations next month in Washington aimed at
    concluding an Open Skies and aviation agreement as soon as possible. We
    have also created a joint working group to enhance U.S.-Italian
    aerospace cooperation and take advantage of opportunities that will
    benefit both countries.
        One of the strongest pillars of our science and technology
    relationship has been space cooperation. We welcome recent achievements
    in this area, including the successful launch of the Cassini mission to
    Saturn and agreements for cooperation on the International Space
    Station. We look forward to new initiatives in astronomy, planetary
    exploration, earth science, biomedical research and commercialization of
    space.
        We also have made significant efforts to expand our longstanding
    collaboration in biomedical sciences and to jointly address global
    health concerns. Our respective institutes for health have recently
    committed to measures which will enhance opportunities for inter-
    institute collaborative projects in a range of fields, including HIV/
    AIDS, aging and cancer. We look forward to the implementation of these
    projects as well as to joint efforts in the fight against malaria,
    particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
        Noting our shared objectives to protect the global climate and
    environment, we are proud of recent agreements to foster joint
    development of geothermal, biomass, solar and other applied technologies
    to reduce emissions, improve air and water quality and conserve scarce
    natural resources. Mindful of the recent declaration of the G-8
    environment ministers at Leeds, we will together address the risks posed
    by climate change, enforce multilateral environmental agreements,
    protect marine diversity and reduce threats to the health of our
    children.
        Together the United States and Italy, working with our partners in
    Europe and elsewhere, have the opportunity to shape a future that is
    more secure, peaceful, free, and brighter for all. We pledge to do all
    we can to make the most of this chance to build an enduring legacy of
    peace and prosperity for the 21st century.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.