Left to Right: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner.

Left to Right: EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel, EU Freedom, Security & Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini, Condoleezza Rice, José Manuel Barroso.

Left to Right: EU Economic & Financial Affairs Commissioner Joachim Almunia, EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, Condoleezza Rice, José Manuel Barroso.

No. 15/05
February 9, 2005

BARROSO RECEIVES SECRETARY RICE AT EU COMMISSION HEADQUARTERS

BARROSO: "MORE THAN EVER, EUROPE NEEDS THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED STATES NEEDS EUROPE IN A COMPLEX WORLD"

EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso and External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner today received the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at EU Commission headquarters in Brussels as part of the preparation for the visit of President Bush to the EU on February 22nd. Secretary Rice then joined a lengthy discussion on how Europe can best work with the United States to tackle global challenges with the Commissioners whose portfolios have an external dimension, notably Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner (External Relations), Commissioner Louis Michel (Development), Commissioner Peter Mandelson (Trade: not pictured above) and Commissioner Ollie Rehn (Enlargement).

Speaking after the meeting, President Barroso said:

"We have had a very substantial dialogue, based on the shared values and very many common interests which underpin our relationship. We agree that it is more vital than ever that Europe and the US - two longstanding allies sharing in essence the same values and foreign policy objectives - work together to promote democracy, freedom, stability and prosperity throughout the world. The opportunities for making progress are before us - whether it be in the Middle East, Afghanistan or the Balkans. We will succeed if we act together. I am very much looking forward to the visit of President Bush here later this month, to the heart of a united Europe made up of 25 Member States and 450 million citizens. This visit will symbolize the strong and enduring bonds of transatlantic co-operation that are stronger by far than any differences that may have existed between us. More than ever, Europe needs the United States and the United States needs Europe. We must seize this opportunity with both hands. Today's international problems are too complex to 'go it alone.'

"The joint attention of the European Union and the United States is needed immediately. Yesterday in the Middle East we saw real signs of hope for a new opening for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. I have strongly welcomed the truce declared by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. It is my hope that this will lead to a definitive end to years of violence in the Middle East and put us back on the path towards a lasting peace.”

Press Conference

Press Contacts:	Anthony Gooch	Maeve O'Beirne
	202-862-9523 anthony.gooch@cec.eu.int	202-862-9549 maeve.obeirne@cec.eu.int

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