For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 14, 2003

President Bush to Welcome PM Berlusconi of Italy
Statement by the Press Secretary
Visit of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy

President Bush will host Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, on July 20-21, 2003. Italy is among the United States' closest allies in NATO, and has been a strong supporter in the global war on terrorism and in bringing peace and democracy to Iraq. The President values Prime Minister Berlusconi's leadership. They will discuss a range of issues, including stopping the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, peace and security in the Middle East region, continuing the fight against terrorism, and strengthening transatlantic relations.

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