This war in Iraq is part of a larger effort to remove this terrorist threat from the planet.

We are very grateful for what the Ontario provincial government is doing, and for cooperation from provincial and local police forces all across Canada.

Our ties are deep and long-standing. We are dependent on each other. And no matter what the issue of the day, whether it be softwood lumber, whether it be a war in Iraq, we need to continue to work together.

We are also looking to Canada as we continue to integrate the North American energy market.

But Canada remains a crucial partner in this global war on terrorism, and we are grateful for that. Canadian naval vessels, aircraft and military personnel continue anti-terrorist operations in the Persian Gulf.

We believe, as the President has indicated, that this combination of a rogue state that possesses weapons of mass destruction and has known ties to terrorist organizations, is a grave threat to the people of the United States and to other countries around the world.

The agreement to place the binational planning group at our new Northern Command was also signed in December.