    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [February 19, 2005]
    [Pages 273-274]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    February 19, 2005

        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.

    [[Page 274]]

        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.

    Note: The address was recorded at 7:50 a.m. on February 18 in the
    Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on February
    19. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on February 18 but was embargoed for release until the
    broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address.