[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 22 (Monday, June 3, 2002)]
[Page 911]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
The President's Radio Address

May 25, 2002

    Good morning. As you hear this, I am in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 
the middle of a 7-day trip to Europe. I've come to Europe to reaffirm 
our close ties with important allies, to talk about the next stages of 
the war on terror, and to open a new chapter in our relationship with 
Russia.
    In this last century, the conflicts of Europe led to war and 
suffering for America. Today, Europe is growing in unity and peace, and 
that benefits our country. The nations of the European Union have made 
strong contributions to the war on terror. And the volume of our annual 
trade and investment relationship is nearly $2 trillion, helping 
workers, consumers, and families on both continents.
    Germany, which I visited earlier this week, has emerged from a 
troubled history to become a force for good. German police and 
intelligence officials are helping in the war on terror. In Afghanistan, 
German troops have served and died beside our own. Speaking in Berlin, I 
thanked the German people for their support and sacrifice and talked 
about the challenges that still lie ahead.
    Here in Russia, President Putin and I are putting the old rivalries 
of our Nation firmly behind us with a new treaty that reduces our 
nuclear arsenals to their lowest levels in decades. After years of 
planning for war, Russia and the United States are building a friendship 
based on shared interests, fighting terrorism, and expanding our trade 
relationship. After centuries of isolation and suspicion, Russia is 
finding its place in the family of Europe, and that is truly historic.
    The partnership of America and Russia will continue to grow based on 
the foundation of freedom and the values--the democratic values we hold 
dear. Free nations are more peaceful nations, and the spread of liberty 
strengthens America.
    On the rest of my trip, I'll travel to Paris and then to Normandy, 
France, for Memorial Day, to honor the soldiers who in 1944 gave their 
lives so that America, France, and all of Europe could one day live in 
peace and freedom. I will visit Rome for a summit that will forge new 
ties between the NATO Alliance and Russia. I'll meet with the Holy 
Father, Pope John Paul II, whose message of peace and social justice is 
particularly urgent at this time.
    In two World Wars, the New World came to the rescue of the Old, and 
America became a European power. Now this continent is closer to being 
whole, free, and at peace than any time in its history. We must finish 
this job, inviting a new Russia to be our full partner. And together, we 
must face the challenges of the world beyond Europe and America, 
terrorism, poverty, and evil regimes seeking terrible weapons. Europe 
and America share common dangers and common values. We have the 
opportunity and the duty to build a world that is safer and better.
    Thank you for listening.

Note: The address was recorded at 8:55 a.m. on May 24 at the Marriott 
Grand Hotel in Moscow, Russia, for domestic broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on 
May 25. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 24 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. 
The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language 
transcript of this address.