The following are the main points of a statement issued by the European Union and the United States today following a summit between the EU and President George W. Bush.
- Renewed commitment to partnership and to address together the most pressing bilateral, regional and global issues of the day."
- Determination to strengthen a transatlantic bond.
- To manage disagreements through consultation rather than litigation and a resolution to settle trade disagreements quickly and effectively in accordance with WTO rules.
- The US welcomed EU efforts to strengthen its ability to manage crises, including through military operations, where NATO as a whole is not engaged and in a where manner where NATO interests are involved.
- A commitment to continue co-operation to promote peace in the Middle East and a political solution in Macedonia through political reform dialogue.
- A commitment to a new round of multilateral trade negotiations at the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Doha to further the liberalisation of world trade and to clarifying, strengthening and extending WTO rules, so as to promote economic growth and equip the trading system to meet the challenges of globalisation and meet the needs of developing countries.
- A recognition that climate change is a pressing issue that requires a global solution.
- The EU and US disagreed on the Kyoto Protocol and its ratification but we are determined to work together in all relevant fora to address climate change and will participate constructively in the resumed COP 6 in Bonn.
- A determination to meet national commitments and obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change through a variety of means, drawing on the power of markets and technology.
- A recognition of the importance of intensifying cooperation on climate-related science and research.
AFP