For Immediate Release
November 18, 2004

Global Message

From remarks by Deputy Secretary of State Armitage at the Overseas Security Advisory Council annual briefing, 11/17/04

This is a time of tremendous opportunity for American trade and commerce around the world, as well as a time of record increases in U.S. foreign aid.

The United States is taking steps to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from the global economy, as well as to generate new prospects and partners for the future.

Initiatives such as the Millennium Challenge Account, President Bush's $15 billion program to fight HIV/AIDS, and the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act seek to eradicate poverty, alleviate disease and improve the investment climate overseas.

The other side of this tremendous growth and opportunity is greater vulnerability to terrorism.

President Bush's comprehensive strategy is dealing with terror threats. The United States is implementing defensive measures in a range of homeland protections, and America -- working with scores of partners in dozens of countries -- is taking the fight to the terrorists.