[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 21 (Monday, May 29, 2006)]
[Pages 1032-1033]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

[[Page 1033]]

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.

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