[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 25 (Monday, June 25, 2007)]
[Pages 847-848]
[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 on a Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty

June 21, 2007

    President Bush and Prime Minister Blair have today signed a Defense 
Trade Cooperation Treaty which will further strengthen and deepen the 
effort between our respective defense establishments to achieve fully 
interoperable forces, and to leverage the strength of our defense 
industries in direct support of our armed forces.
    At a time when American and British forces continue to work closely 
together on operations overseas, the President and the Prime Minister 
share the view that we need to do all that we can to enhance our ability 
to cooperate by reducing the barriers to exchange of defense goods, 
services, and information between the United States and the United 
Kingdom.
    This further cooperation will benefit the operational defense 
capabilities of the United States and the United Kingdom by improving 
the interoperability of equipment and systems between our armed forces. 
Our armed forces must have the most effective means possible to fight 
not only in traditional battlefield situations, but also when they face 
asymmetric threats such as IEDs. By removing barriers to communication 
and collaboration between, and among, our armed forces and our defense 
industries, we will provide our forces with the most effective means 
possible to counter these threats.
    In addition, these new arrangements will help maintain the strength 
of our respective defense industries. By enhancing the ability of our 
defense industries to take advantage of the rich and deep technical 
experience in the United States and in the United Kingdom, we will 
continue to develop and field the most effective military capabilities 
possible.
    Together, both governments will also aim to finalize implementing 
arrangements by the end of the year and to complete steps necessary 
under their respective domestic laws to implement the treaty.

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