For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 17, 2005

President to Welcome Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to the White House

President Bush will host Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi at the White House for a meeting and lunch on October 31, 2005. Italy is one of America's strongest allies and closest partners in the global war on terror. Under Prime Minister Berlusconi's leadership, Italy is playing a leading role in international stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans. The President and the Prime Minister will discuss a range of issues, including their shared commitment to advance freedom and democracy around the world.

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