    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [October 18, 2008]
    [Page 1325]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by the United States and the European Union on the
    Global Economy
    October 18, 2008

        The three leaders had a very positive discussion about the continued
    coordination of steps needed to solve the crisis in today's global
    economy. They agreed they would reach out to other world leaders next
    week with the idea of beginning a series of summits on addressing the
    challenges facing the global economy.
        World leaders will be consulted about the idea of a first summit of
    heads of government to be held in the U.S. soon after the U.S.
    elections, in order to review progress being made to address the current
    crisis and to seek agreement on principles of reform needed to avoid a
    repetition and assure global prosperity in the future. Later summits
    would be designed to implement agreement on specific steps to be taken
    to meet those principles.

    Note: The statement referred to President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, in
    his capacity as President of the European Council; and President Jose
    Manuel Durao Barroso of the European Commission. An original was not
    available for verification of the content of this joint statement.