For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 15, 2004

President Bush to Welcome PM of Sweden
Statement by the Press Secretary

President Bush will host Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson for a meeting at the White House on April 28, 2004. Sweden is a valued partner of the United States, particularly in Afghanistan, where Sweden plays a significant role in the reconstruction effort, and in Kosovo and Liberia, where Swedish troops contribute to security and stability. Sweden and the United States cooperate closely on a range of global challenges, such as combating the scourges of HIV/AIDS and trafficking in persons. The President looks forward to discussions with Prime Minister Persson on European security; Iraq; the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; and support to calls for freedom, democracy, and reform throughout the Greater Middle East.

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