Statement by the Press Secretary: President Bush to Welcome President of Romania to the White House

President Bush will host Romanian President Traian Basescu at the White House on Thursday, July 27, 2006. Romania is a close NATO ally and a leading partner in the cause of freedom. Under President Basescu's leadership, Romania is promoting cooperation in the Black Sea region and making valuable contributions to assist the people of Iraq and Afghanistan. President Basescu is also pursuing economic and judicial reforms and fighting corruption as Romania prepares to join the European Union. President Bush looks forward to reviewing bilateral relations with President Basescu, as well as discussing our work together to support reform and democracy in the Balkans and Black Sea region, advance energy security, win the War on Terror, and strengthen our economic and commercial ties.