    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [June 26, 2006]
    [Page 1216]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting Legislation To Implement the United
    States-Oman Free Trade Agreement
    June 26, 2006

    To the Congress of the United States:
        I am pleased to transmit legislation and supporting documents to
    implement the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This FTA
    enhances our bilateral relationship with a strategic friend and ally in
    the Middle East region. The FTA will benefit the people of the United
    States and Oman, illustrating for other developing countries the
    advantages of open markets and increased trade.
        In negotiating this FTA, my Administration was guided by the
    objectives set out in the Trade Act of 2002. Congressional approval of
    this FTA will mark another important step towards creating a Middle East
    Free Trade Area. Like our FTA with Bahrain that the Congress approved in
    December 2005, and our FTA with Morocco that was approved in July 2004,
    this FTA offers another important opportunity to encourage economic
    reform in a moderate Muslim nation. Oman is leading the pursuit of
    social and economic reforms in the region, including by selling state-
    owned businesses, encouraging foreign investment connected to broad-
    based development, and providing better protection for women and
    workers. It is strongly in our national interest to embrace these
    reforms and do what we can to encourage them.

                                                              George W. Bush

    The White House,

    June 26, 2006.