Subject: CONGRATULATORY STATEMENT FROM SECRETARY POWELL

Mr. Prime Minister: On behalf of President Bush, I wish to express my congratulations to the people of Slovakia on the occasion of your invitation to become members of the NATO alliance. Your government has demonstrated a strong commitment to the alliance's shared values of democracy, respect for human rights and rule of law. Through hard work and perseverance, you have implemented important military modernization and defense reforms, which allows your country to become a fully contributing member to our shared defense.

It has been an honor for our government to work closely with your government as you implemented your membership action plan. We are also grateful for the contributions that you have made to NATO's operations in the Balkans and in the war against terrorism. You have been acting already as de facto allies. I look forward to continuing our close cooperation as you strive to realize the goals that you have set for your nation.

As it has been said, Prague is not the finishing line but the starting line. This invitation is not an end but is rather an opportunity to continue to pursue a robust reform agenda. In the coming years you will need to redouble your efforts to realize the commitments you have made to the alliance, and the alliance will turn work to ensure that you are strong members of the Alliance.

Let me again, on behalf of the American people, welcome you to the Alliance.

Congratulations,

Colin Powell