The Bush administration attaches special importance to U.S. allies in its foreign policy. In a news conference held Dec. 16, immediately after he won the presidency, George W. Bush said his administration will work with its allies in Europe and the Far East.
Colin Powell, introduced as Bush's nominee for secretary of state, expressed gratitude to the allies for their cooperation in the past 50 years. Powell also said Washington will seek to make those alliances "the center of our foreign-policy activity." In congressional testimony Jan. 17, Powell praised NATO's roles in global security and emphasized strong relationships with U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific region, especially Japan. "Weaken those relationships, and we weaken ourselves," he said.
In his inaugural address Jan. 20, Bush said the United States seeks to shape a balance of power that favors freedom. "We will defend our allies and our interests," he said. Bush is committed to strengthening ties with U.S. allies in his foreign policy, as he pledged during his presidential campaign.