At the EU-US Summit at Dromoland Castle today, seven Joint Declarations were adopted, addressing many of the key challenges that face the world today.
Speaking following the meeting, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, said the meeting had been not only extremely productive but also historic, as it marked the first meeting between the EU and the US since enlargement and the conclusion of negotiations on an EU Constitution.
He said that from the outset, the transatlantic relationship had been a core focus of the Irish Presidency.
Mr Ahern said he was pleased that the Summit had reaffirmed the strength, depth and significance of the relationship in a spirit of partnership.
Mr Ahern said the EU and the US share a common set of values based on an unshakable commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and it was these shared values that made them enduring partners.
The Taoiseach said that the seven Joint Declarations demonstrated the strength and depth of EU-US relations.
Ahern takes Bush to task on Iraq abuse
The Taoiseach earlier told the US President of the abhorrence felt by Irish people over the ill-treatment of prisoners in Iraqi jails.
Mr Bush insisted he was doing all he could to deal with the situation.
At private bilateral talks in Dromoland Castle, Co Clare, ahead of the summit between the leaders of the US and the EU, Mr Ahern also raised the issue of the detention of terrorist suspects at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
Mr Ahern also briefed George Bush on the situation in the North and welcomed initiatives to deal with undocumented Irish immigrants in the US.
At the EU-US summit, US and European leaders agreed a declaration backing the efforts to establish a sovereign government in Iraq, but stressed the need for Coalition forces to respect the Geneva Conventions.
Another declaration was agreed on economic co-operation that commits the two trading blocs to try to eliminate obstacles to trade and to progress transatlantic economic integration.
