Third Global Forum on Fighting Corruption

George W. Bush, President

Remarks to the Global Forum III

Seoul, Korea

May 29, 2003

Thank you for the opportunity to address this conference. I applaud your commitment to honest government. I also thank President Roh for hosting this forum, and for his leadership against corruption. Fighting corruption is essential to meeting the great challenges of our times. Peace loving people everywhere are confronting the forces of global terror. Societies on every continent are striving for greater freedom and democracy, and more and more nations are building their prosperity through markets and trade.

Corruption undermines all these enterprises. We must oppose corruption in all its forms, and we must enforce anti-corruption conventions and pass new laws where needed. When we see corruption, we must expose it to the sunshine of public scrutiny. Widespread corruption can make nations havens for terror. Honest governments are more capable of patrolling their borders and cracking down on illicit financing. All nations should have, and enforce, laws that keep our societies open for commerce and closed to terror.

Fighting corruption is critical to fulfilling the promise of democracy. When corruption flourishes, it weakens confidence in public institutions such as law enforcement, and undermines the honest values that democracy depends upon. All people deserve legal systems that spread opportunity, instead of protecting the narrow interests of a well-connected few.

By fighting corruption, we restore confidence in democracy. Fighting corruption also strengthens the open trade and investment that drive the world economy. Commerce gravitates to places where the government procurement occurs openly, and where regulations are enforced fairly. The United States is incorporating strong commitments to open government purchasing in all our free trade agreements. We urge that similar commitments be a part of trade agreements across the globe.

Finally, tackling corruption helps fight global poverty. When aid money is stolen, the poor suffer, and donors lose confidence. The United States recognizes how corruption undermines development. The new aid resources I have proposed for our Millennium Challenge Account will reward nations that root out corruption and respect the rule of law.

Every person at this forum is joined in an important cause. You are seeking to end an ancient injustice that protects the undeserving and holds back the hopes of millions. America appreciates and supports your efforts.

Thank you very much.