President Bush tried to rebuilt America's relationship with Europe today, declaring on a visit to Brussels that trans-Atlantic unity was vital to world peace and prosperity.

In a speech that was unexpectedly tough on both Israel and Russia, as well as criticising old US opponents Iran and Syria, Mr Bush also said Middle East peace was his immediate priority and called on Russia to commit itself to democracy and the rule of law.

The US President made his comments in a wide-ranging speech to leaders of the EU and Nato, at the 19th century Concert Noble hall in Brussels.

But the main purpose of the visit, Mr Bush's first foreign trip of his second term in the White House and the first visit by any US President to the seat of the European Union, is to mend fences with the countries of 'Old Europe' which opposed the invasion of Iraq.

Mr Bush is due to hold a series of summit meetings in Brussels, with Tony Blair, with Jacques Chirac, the French President, and with Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian Prime Minister. He then meets Gerhard Schröder, the German Chancellor, in Mainz on Wednesday and President Putin of Russia in Bratislava on Thursday.

Tomorrow, he will become the first US president to visit the European Commission, a move seen as signifiying his approval of moves towards European integration.

"In a new century, the alliance of America and Europe is the main pillar of our security," Mr Bush said.

"Our strong friendship is essential to peace and prosperity across the globe and no temporary debate, no passing disagreement of governments, no power on earth will ever divide us. Our robust trade is one of the engines of the world economy. Our example of economic and political freedom gives hope to millions who are weary of poverty and oppression."

Mr Bush devoted considerable time in his speech to Middle East peace, which he called "our greatest opportunity, and our immediate goal". He also issued a strong warning to Syria, which he said "must end" its three-decade occupation of Lebanon, earning applause from his audience.

Syria has already rejected a US call to withdraw troops from Lebanon, but this morning - minutes before Mr Bush rose to speak - President Assad indicated in Damascus that a pullout could be expected soon.

Mr Bush said that peace between Israel and the Palestinians based on a two-state solution was now within reach. But he stressed that Israel must end settlement activity, that the future Palestine must be a democracy, and that Palestinian territory in the West Bank must be "contiguous ... a state on scattered territories will not work".

The President also said that Iran "must not develop nuclear weapons," noting diplomatic efforts to prevent this were continuing.

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