    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [June 1, 2003]
    [Pages 583-584]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and President Vladimir V.
    Putin on U.S.- Russian Cooperation in Space
    June 1, 2003

        The loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia has underscored the historic
    role of the United States and Russia as partners in space exploration,
    who have persevered despite tragedy and adversity. During this
    challenging time, our partnership has deepened and the International
    Space Station (ISS) program remains strong. The extraordinary efforts of
    our countries continue. The United States is committed to safely
    returning the Space Shuttle to flight, and the Russian Federation is
    committed to meeting the ISS crew transport and logistics resupply
    requirements necessary to

    [[Page 584]]

    maintain our joint American astronaut and Russian cosmonaut teams on
    board the ISS until the Space Shuttle returns to flight.
        We confirm our mutual aspiration to ensure the continued assembly
    and viability of the International Space Station as a world-class
    research facility, relying on our unprecedented experience of bilateral
    and multilateral interaction in space. We reaffirm our commitment to the
    mission of human space flight and are prepared to take energetic steps
    to enhance our cooperation in the application of space technology and
    techniques.

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