Rajoy - Ashcroft Joint Statement on Counterterrorism Cooperation,
Madrid 12/13/01

Rajoy and Ashcroft met in Madrid, December 13, 2001

The First Vice President and Minister of Interior of Spain, Mariano Rajoy, and the Attorney General of the United States of America, John Ashcroft, recognize the gravity of the terrorist threat and the challenges posed by terrorism.

The First Vice President and the Attorney General are committed to maintaining a close relationship for the purpose of overcoming these challenges.

Relations between the Kingdom of Spain and the United States of America, in the fight against terrorism in particular, and against crime in general, are excellent.

The Government of the United States recognizes the importance of the work being undertaken by the European Union. Both governments agree that counter-terrorism efforts in fora such as the United Nations are important and should be emphasized.

Both Governments intend to continue their support for counter-terrorism training and education programs, criminal investigations and sanctions against the financing and support of terrorist organizations, and are committed to continue seeking ways towards a more effective cooperation in the prevention, investigation and suppression of terrorism and its sources of financing.

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