Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting With President Richard von Weizsacker of Germany

The President met for approximately one hour with President Richard von Weizsacker of Germany, who is in the U.S. on a state visit. The discussion focused on the nature of the new partnership between the U.S. and united Germany. The President stressed our intention to maintain a strong presence in Europe, along with the importance of NATO and the North Atlantic Cooperation Council. He also reiterated our support for reforms and controlling nuclear weapons in Russia and the other republics. President Bush said it was important to reach an agreement on GATT soon and that he looked forward to addressing these and other issues at the upcoming G - 7 meeting in Munich.