[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 21 (Monday, May 27, 2002)]
[Page 875]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Departure for Berlin, Germany

May 22, 2002

    I'm looking forward to my trip to Europe. I'm going to take a couple 
of messages.
    One, of course, I appreciate the friendship with the European 
people, our strong alliance, and that our alliance must remain tough in 
the war against global terror, that even though we've had some initial 
successes, there's still danger for countries which embrace freedom, 
countries such as ours or Germany, France, Russia, or Italy. And as an 
alliance, we must continue to fight against global terror. We've got to 
be tough.
    Secondly, friends benefit through free trade. I will reaffirm our 
commitment to trade. I hope the United States Senate finishes debate on 
the trade promotion authority and passes the bill. It's going to be 
important for our friends around the world to see this commitment to 
trade. Trade is in the interests of our workers. Trade is in the 
interest of job creation, and trade is in the interest of developing 
nations as well as developed nations. And so I want to thank those in 
the United States Senate, both Republicans and Democrats, who have 
worked hard on this bill. I hope they finish the debate and pass this 
important legislation. It'll be a strong positive message.
    I'm looking forward to the trip. I'm honored to represent the 
greatest nation on the face of the Earth in capitals around Europe. And 
I look forward to reporting back to the American people upon my return.
    Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 6:05 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House.