    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [May 26, 2006]
    [Pages 1033-1034]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Tony
    Blair of the United Kingdom
    May 26, 2006

        The United States has no closer ally than the United Kingdom. U.S.
    and U.K. forces are fighting terror in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the
    globe. The Prime Minister and the President discussed ways to strengthen
    defense cooperation.
        The two leaders are pleased to announce that the United States and
    United Kingdom recently signed an agreement that allows appropriately
    cleared British and U.S. personnel to use the same computer network to
    access military and intelligence information and other planning tools to
    support joint military operations in the defense of freedom.
        Additionally, the leaders recognize that as American and British
    soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are right now standing together
    in harm's way, we must plan for the future capabilities that will
    enhance our ability to cooperate. Both governments agree that the UK
    will have the ability to successfully operate, upgrade, employ, and
    maintain the Joint Strike Fighter such that the UK retains operational
    sovereignty over the aircraft. Further, both governments agree to
    protect sensitive technologies found within the Joint Strike Fighter
    program. Together, we are working out the details, while remaining
    committed to these principles.
        Finally, the President and Prime Minister have a shared view that we
    need to continue to strengthen and deepen the relationship between our
    defense establishments to achieve fully interoperable forces and to
    leverage the respective strengths of U.S. and U.K. industries. The Prime
    Minister and President look forward to new ways we can achieve that
    goal.

    [[Page 1034]]

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