Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting With Foreign Minister Roland Dumas of France

President Bush and French Foreign Minister Roland Dumas discussed a number of bilateral and regional issues during a 20-minute Oval Office meeting. Minister Dumas said that the development of increased unity within the European Community must be accompanied by efforts to reinforce ties between Europe and the United States. The President welcomed the desire to strengthen transatlantic ties, which the United States shares completely. The President also noted the need to conclude the Uruguay round trade negotiations.