Bush to meet Maltese PM

The White House announced on Thursday that President George W. Bush will welcome Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi for a meeting at the White House on Oct. 3, the same day he's meeting with the prime minister of Hungary, Ferenc Gyurcsany.

Barroso stressed the need for the seven-year budget to contain safeguards to give the EU.

"Malta has been a valued partner in the fight against terror, helping to safeguard shipping in the Mediterranean Sea and promoting U.S.-EU political and economic cooperation," White House press secretary Scott McClellan was quoted as saying by the AP. "The president and Prime Minister Gonzi look forward to discussing how our nations can strengthen our bilateral counterterrorism cooperation, as well as how the United States and the European Union can work together to advance freedom and prosperity in the Broader Middle East and North Africa."

The White House also announced that Bush will welcome Bulgarian President Georgi Purvanov for a meeting at the White House on Oct. 17.

"Bulgaria is a close friend and NATO ally which has made significant contributions to supporting democracy and security in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans," White House press secretary Scott McClellan said.

He said the two will discuss a range of issues on the transatlantic agenda.