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Joint Statement Signing with Environment Minister Matas, Madrid, Spain

01/23/2003
Remarks of Governor Christine Todd Whitman
Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
at the
Joint Statement Signing with Environment Minister Jaume Matas Palou
Madrid, Spain

January 23, 2003


Thank you for that introduction. It is an honor to be here today with President (Jose Maria) Aznar and Environment Minister (Juame) Matas to reaffirm the commitment of our two countries to work together on issues of environmental protection.

From safeguarding human health and addressing environmental issues affecting the health of our children to improving water quality and reducing air pollution, the United States and Spain share many common goals.

We recognize that by working together we have a better chance of achieving those goals and improving the lives of the citizens we serve.

During the Spanish Presidency of the European Union, we worked well together on environmental issues, and I = m pleased that we have the opportunity to build upon that success.

Later today, I will have the opportunity to tour the oil spill in Galicia. On behalf of President Bush and the United States, I want to extend our understanding and support in the face of such an environmental disaster.

It is my hope that lessons we have learned in the United States and the expertise we have gained from responding to similar situations will be useful here.

I want to thank President Aznar and Minister Matas for their strong leadership and commitment to protecting the future of our environment. Thank you.