Hastert Invites Aznar to Address Congress. Thanks Spanish President For Support on War on Terrorism

President Aznar with a delegation of the U.S. Representative and its leader Dennis Hastert at la Moncloa Palace, August 1, 2003

MADRID, Spain, Aug. 1  -- U.S House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert invited President Jose Maria Aznar, President of Spain, to address of Joint Meeting of the United States Congress, yesterday in Madrid. Hastert and a delegation of Congressional Members met with President Aznar to discuss the continuing war on terrorism, other security issues and efforts to increase trade and commerce between the two nations.

Hastert said of President Aznar: "He has been a great friend of the United States, a visionary leader for his nation, and a committed ally in the war on terrorism. I think Members of the House and Senate would benefit greatly from hearing from President Aznar."

"President Aznar narrowly escaped a terrorist attack on his own life, so he knows first hand how important this war on terrorism really is. He is committed to helping the United States in this worldwide fight."

Hastert has been leading a Congressional delegation trip to Europe for the last six days. Previous stops included Great Britain, Denmark and The Netherlands.

Hastert said of the trip, "First, we wanted to visit these nations and thank them for their help in the war on terrorism. We also wanted to increase the dialogue with parliamentarians and other leaders on issues such as trade, security and economic growth. Each of these nations has played an important role in supporting the United States as we fought those terrorists who have targeted the United States. We want to make sure that we do everything in our power to make sure what happened on September 11th, 2001, never happens again. These allies have helped us in our time of need, and I wanted to thank them for that help."

Hastert has been joined on this trip by Jim Nussle R-IA), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Peter Hoekstra (R-MI), Doc Hastings (R-WA), Sue Myrick (R-NC), Charlie Norwood (R-GA), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Vito Fossella (R-NY), and Dennis Rehberg (R-MT).

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