For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 27, 2004
Remarks by President Bush and NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in a Photo Opportunity
Hilton Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
5:04 P.M. (Local)
PRESIDENT BUSH: This man is doing a great job, and we're proud to
call him friend. He believes in freedom and peace. And I really
appreciate what you've done, sir.
SECRETARY GENERAL DE HOOP SCHEFFER: Thank you. It's a challenge,
but NATO is worth it.
PRESIDENT BUSH: It is worth it.
SECRETARY GENERAL DE HOOP SCHEFFER: NATO is worth it, and the
transatlantic relationship is worth it. More than just in words, but
all in deeds.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Right. I was hoping to change the mission of NATO
so it meets the threats of the 21st century, and we're going to work
together to help make sure NATO is configured militarily to meet the
threats of the 21st century, as well. But you're the right man for the
job, and we're honored you took it. I really appreciate working with
you.
SECRETARY GENERAL DE HOOP SCHEFFER: We're defending values, and
values never come out. And I think they should be defended every
single day and every single hour. We see examples of that everywhere
around that NATO is -- it's about values, has always been about values,
and it's still about values. But Turkey has changed. We have
terrorism everywhere. There's fights everywhere, be it here in this
city, be it in New York, Uzbekistan, Mombasa, Yemen, you name it. This
alliance has to participate in fighting it first, and winning it.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you
Q Does the kidnapping of the Turks cast a pall over this
meeting?
PRESIDENT BUSH: (Shakes head, indicating no.)
END 5:07 P.M. (Local)
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