Relations with U.S. to 'become stronger': Brown
Updated Sun. Jul. 29 2007 8:43 AM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNe...9/brown_visits_070729/20070729?hub=TopStories
Ahead of his first official visit to the U.S., British Prime Minister Gordon Brown reiterated his goal to strengthen Britain's "most important bilateral relationship."
Brown released a statement on the eve of his departure saying, "It is a relationship that is founded on our common values of liberty, opportunity and the dignity of the individual."
"And because of the values we share, the relationship with the United States is not only strong, but can become stronger in the years ahead."
The trip is Brown's first major overseas visit since he was appointed prime minister last month after a 10-year-wait behind Tony Blair.
His statement served to dispel speculation that relations between the two superpowers are cooling.
Newly appointed Foreign Office Minister Malloch Brown previously said the two countries would no longer be "joined at the hip" on foreign policy; a jab a Blair's close relationship with Bush.
The former United Nations deputy secretary general is an outspoken critic of the Bush administration.
Bush and Brown are expected to discuss international issues such as the fate of Britain's soldiers in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Darfur and Kosovo in talks scheduled to be held at Camp David.
Top military officials in London contend Britain will likely hand over control of the southern Iraqi city of Basra to local authorities at the end of the year.
"We know that we cannot solve any of the world's major problems without the active engagement of the U.S.," Brown said ahead of the trip.
"And just as Britain and America have always stood side by side in tackling the great global challenges of the past, so we will continue to work very closely together as friends to tackle the great global challenges of the future."
Brown will travel to the U.S. buoyed by a boost in the polls that show the Labour Party is enjoying a lead over the Conservatives.
The support is likely drawn from Brown's sober handling of the terror plots in London and Glasgow during his first month in office.
With files from the Associated Press
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown speaks during his first regular press conference as Prime Minister, at 10 Downing Street in London, Monday July 23, 2007. (AP / Johnny Green)
Updated Sun. Jul. 29 2007 8:43 AM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNe...9/brown_visits_070729/20070729?hub=TopStories
Ahead of his first official visit to the U.S., British Prime Minister Gordon Brown reiterated his goal to strengthen Britain's "most important bilateral relationship."
Brown released a statement on the eve of his departure saying, "It is a relationship that is founded on our common values of liberty, opportunity and the dignity of the individual."
"And because of the values we share, the relationship with the United States is not only strong, but can become stronger in the years ahead."
The trip is Brown's first major overseas visit since he was appointed prime minister last month after a 10-year-wait behind Tony Blair.
His statement served to dispel speculation that relations between the two superpowers are cooling.
Newly appointed Foreign Office Minister Malloch Brown previously said the two countries would no longer be "joined at the hip" on foreign policy; a jab a Blair's close relationship with Bush.
The former United Nations deputy secretary general is an outspoken critic of the Bush administration.
Bush and Brown are expected to discuss international issues such as the fate of Britain's soldiers in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Darfur and Kosovo in talks scheduled to be held at Camp David.
Top military officials in London contend Britain will likely hand over control of the southern Iraqi city of Basra to local authorities at the end of the year.
"We know that we cannot solve any of the world's major problems without the active engagement of the U.S.," Brown said ahead of the trip.
"And just as Britain and America have always stood side by side in tackling the great global challenges of the past, so we will continue to work very closely together as friends to tackle the great global challenges of the future."
Brown will travel to the U.S. buoyed by a boost in the polls that show the Labour Party is enjoying a lead over the Conservatives.
The support is likely drawn from Brown's sober handling of the terror plots in London and Glasgow during his first month in office.
With files from the Associated Press
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown speaks during his first regular press conference as Prime Minister, at 10 Downing Street in London, Monday July 23, 2007. (AP / Johnny Green)
