For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 18, 2004

Statement by the Press Secretary
Visit by President Ricardo Lagos of Chile

President Bush will welcome President Ricardo Lagos of Chile to the White House for a meeting and lunch on July 19, 2004. The President looks forward to discussing with President Lagos the importance of promoting and defending democracy in the hemisphere and beyond and expanding free trade and economic opportunity in the region. The President values the strong, cooperative relationship between Chile and the United States and President Lagos' leadership.

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