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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release January 16, 1994

Statement by the Press Secretary

On the eve of his first official trip to Europe, the President met today with Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers in the Oval Office.

The President reaffirmed the importance of NATO, the full range of transatlantic relations, and a vital European Union to the security and prosperity of both the United States and Europe. The two leaders reviewed planning for the January 10-11 NATO Summit Meeting, which they expect will adapt the Alliance to new security challenges. They also looked forward to further progress on international trade issues to capitalize on successful efforts by the United States and the European Union to conclude the GATT Uruguay Round.

The President expressed appreciation for significant Dutch contributions to shared global and European objectives and to a strong bilateral relationship. The two leaders also exchanged views on their domestic economic priorities.

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