or Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 25, 2002
Radio Address by the President to the Nation
PRESIDENT BUSH: Good morning. As you hear this, I am in St. Petersburg, Russia, in the middle of a seven-day trip to
Europe. I've come to Europe to reaffirm our close ties with important allies, to talk about the next stages of the war
on terror, and open a new chapter in our relationship with Russia.
In this last century, the conflicts of Europe led to war and suffering for America. Today, Europe is growing in unity
and peace, and that benefits our country. The nations of the European Union have made strong contributions to the war on
terror. And the volume of our annual trade and investment relationship is nearly $2 trillion, helping workers,
consumers, and families on both continents.
Germany, which I visited earlier this week, has emerged from a troubled history to become a force for good. German
police and intelligence officials are helping in the war on terror. In Afghanistan, German troops have served and died
beside our own. Speaking in Berlin, I thanked the German people for their support and sacrifice, and talked about the
challenges that still lie ahead.
Here in Russia, President Putin and I are putting the old rivalries of our nation firmly behind us, with a new treaty
that reduces our nuclear arsenals to their lowest levels in decades and, for years, the planning for war. Russia and the
United States are building a friendship based on shared interests -- fighting terrorism and expanding our trade
relationship. After centuries of isolation and suspicion, Russia is finding its place in the family of Europe. And that
is truly historic.
The partnership of America and Russia will continue to grow, based on the foundation of freedom and the values -- the
democratic values we hold dear. Free nations are more peaceful nations, and the spread of liberty strengthens America.
On the rest of my trip I'll travel to Paris, and then to Normandy, France, for Memorial Day, to honor the soldiers who
in 1944 gave their lives so that America, France and all of Europe could one day live in peace and freedom. I will visit
Rome for a summit that will forge new ties between the NATO Alliance and Russia. I'll meet with the Holy Father, Pope
John Paul II, whose message of peace and social justice is particularly urgent at this time.
In two world wars, the New World came to the rescue of the Old, and America became a European power. Now this continent
is closer to being whole, free and at peace than any time in its history. We must finish this job, inviting a new Russia
to be our full partner. And together, we must face the challenges of the world beyond Europe and America -- terrorism,
poverty, and evil regimes seeking terrible weapons. Europe and America share common dangers and common values. We have
the opportunity and the duty to build a world that is safer and better.
Thank you for listening.
END