Text 2249, 141 rader
Skriven 2006-03-04 23:33:12 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0603045) for Sat, 2006 Mar 4
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President and Mrs. Bush Participate in State Dinner in Pakistan
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 4, 2006

President and Mrs. Bush Participate in State Dinner in Pakistan
Aiwan-e-Sadr
Islamabad, Pakistan


˙˙˙˙˙President's Visit to India and Pakistan

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT BUSH AND PRESIDENT MUSHARRAF AT STATE DINNER

Aiwan-e-Sadr Islamabad, Pakistan

8:10 P.M. (Local)

PRESIDENT MUSHARRAF: Mr. President, and the First Lady, Mrs. Laura Bush,
excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it indeed gives me immense pleasure to
extend to you, Mr. President, and to the First Lady, and your entire
delegation, a very warm welcome to Pakistan. Your presence in our midst is
a special occasion that reaffirms the vital importance of our friendship
and cooperation for the good of our peoples, and for the peace and progress
of our region, and indeed, the entire world.

Mr. President, we have always admired the generosity and compassion of the
American people. This wonderful spirit was manifest in the response to the
worst ever natural calamity that we suffered last October. We thank you and
the American people for your solidarity and support in our hour of need.

Mr. President, six decades ago we had our relations and had many -- these
relations had many phases. History shows that when we remain engaged, our
two countries benefitted. We stood together during the years of the Cold
War and global confrontation. In the '80s, together, we helped shape the
time for freedom in the world. Today, in the face of new challenges, we
have forged an enduring partnership on the basis of principles and mutual
respect and in the interest of a peaceful, secure and a better world.

Pakistan and the United States are allies in combating terrorism, the new
pervasive threat to the world. Fighting extremism and terrorism is a moral
imperative, dictated by our own deeply cherished values and our vision of
building a moderate and a very progressive society in Pakistan.

We similarly reject hate and prejudice that have recently targeted Islam
and Muslim societies. More than ever before, we need to work for interfaith
harmony and effectively discourage sinister acts of sacrilege and blaspheme
intended to cause hurt and offense to other people.

Mr. President, we are dedicated to promote a peaceful environment and
bringing to a close the unfortunate chapter of conflict and tension in our
region. We are engaged in a dialogue process with India to resolve all
disputes, especially the Kashmir dispute. The conducive international
environment, and improved relations between Pakistan and India offer a
unique opportunity to find a settlement acceptable to all sides, especially
the Kashmiri people who have suffered far too long.

The world community, especially the United States, Mr. President, can help
by encouraging all sides to move forward towards that goal. Mr. President,
the technologically transformed and globalized world of today offers
unprecedented opportunities provided we overcome the challenges of old
conflicts and new threats to peace and harmony.

In our effort for development, we seek partnership with you. We deeply
appreciate your assistance, and look forward to further expanding and
strengthening our multifaceted cooperation. Pakistan is now firmly on the
path of economic growth, social progress, and democratic development. You
can further assist our efforts to fortify our reforms process.

Mr. President, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, strategically located at
the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia, Pakistan has the
potential to become the hub of economic activity and a catalyst for
progress of a larger neighborhood. We are determined to pursue this
destined role and are implementing plans for the development of
infrastructure, communication and energy corridors. The strategic
partnership that we have affirmed today will contribute towards our success
in realizing our common aspirations for peace and development in this
critically important region of the world.

With this, ladies and gentelemen, I would now like to invite you all to
join me in wishing health and happiness to President George Bush and First
Lady Mrs. Laura Bush, and everlasting friendship between Pakistan and the
United States. I thank you all. Ladies and gentlemen. (Applause.)

PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. President, and Mrs. Musharraf and distinguished guests,
Laura and I thank you for the warm and gracious welcome. It's such a
pleasure to be here in Pakistan. We've had a fantastic day. I was fooled by
a googly. (Laughter.) Otherwise, I'd have been a better batsman. But it's
been a full day, Mr. President, and your hospitality has overwhelmed us,
and thank you.

I bring greetings from my fellow citizens, in particular the thousands of
Pakistani Americans who call my land home, folks who have really made a
tremendous contribution to the United States of America.

Our nations are strong allies, Mr. President. We're allies in the war on
terror, and we're allies in laying the foundation of lasting peace. In the
struggle in the war on terror, Pakistan and America has lost many good
citizens. And we ask for God's blessings on their families. Pakistan's
efforts to enhance peace and security have earned the respect and the
admiration of the American people. When the terrorists are defeated, and
when the peace is won, our two nations will share the peace together.

The American people care deeply about the people of Pakistan. We watched
with horror and great sorrow as last year's earthquake devastated this
ancient land. Americans have experienced the trauma of natural disasters in
our own country, and we've witnessed the power of friendship to rebuild
lives and to restore hope. I'm proud of the U.S. relief efforts. I want to
thank those officials who are here to help the people of Pakistan.

I'm pleased that our helicopters earned the name "angels of mercy" from
those who were anxious for help in the mountains. I'm proud that our
government and businesses and private organizations and individual families
also saw your need, and gave their time and treasures to help rebuild this
vital nation. Our donations reflect the compassion of our country, the
respect we have for Pakistan. And we will make good on our donations, Mr.
President.

We have confronted great challenges together, and we will continue to do
so. Americans will support the Pakistani people as they take further steps
toward democracy, expand educational opportunities for boys and girls, and
create prosperity through innovation and global trade. Pakistan has a
bright future because of its proud people, and because of the hard work of
a strong leader. President Musharraf, you've proved yourself to be a man of
courage and vision. I appreciate the honor of being your partner in working
for peace and security.

And so, Mr. President, with gratitude for what we've accomplished, and with
optimism for what we will yet accomplish, I offer my respect to you, to
your gracious wife, and to the people of Pakistan. (Applause.)

END 8:19 P.M. (Local)

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