For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 9, 2003

President Bush to Welcome Prime Minister Ariel Sharon
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel to Visit Washington

President Bush has invited Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel to visit him in Washington on May 20, 2003. The United States and Israel have a firm friendship, and the two leaders will discuss efforts to move ahead toward a peace settlement between Israelis and Palestinians, as well as a range of bilateral and regional issues.

The President very much looks forward to the Prime Minister's visit.

# # #