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Skriven 2006-11-16 23:31:14 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (061116) for Thu, 2006 Nov 16
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President Bush Meets with Prime Minister Lee of Singapore
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 16, 2006

President Bush Meets with Prime Minister Lee of Singapore
The Istana
Singapore



2:29 P.M. (Local)

PRIME MINISTER LEE: Well, I have just a few words to say. I'm very happy to
have President Bush here, and visiting Singapore for the second time in
three years. We've had a very good conversation on many issues. Our
bilateral relationship is excellent. We've had a very good time talking
about it. We discussed what was happening in the region, what's happening
in the Middle East, what's happening all over Asia, our economic matters,
as well as security issues, as well as terrorism.

And on many of these areas, we not only exchanged notes, but found a
significant degree of matching in our views. Maybe it's because we've
exchanged views so many times, and we know how each other think. But I
think it's also because our interests are aligned, and Singapore is very
happy that America has a stake in the region, and is growing the stake in
the region. And we would like to help this to happen and to ensure that
this continues for a long time to come.

So welcome, Sir.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. Prime Minister, thanks. Thank you for your hospitality,
again. Laura and I feel very comfortable in your country and we feel
comfortable in your presence. You're right, we had a wide-ranging
discussion. I always benefit when I get your advice and your counsel on the
neighborhood. And I think America's presence in the Far East is very
important for our own country. And, therefore, when you share your thoughts
with me it makes it much easier for us to conduct wise foreign policy.

We've got a lot in common, particularly our desire to continue to promote
free and fair trade, because your country has shown that open markets are
capable of lifting up an entire people. And I congratulate you on your
leadership; congratulate the people of Singapore for really being a model
for the neighborhood.

And I'm looking forward to the dinner tonight that you're giving.

PRIME MINISTER LEE: Thank you very much.

END 2:31 P.M. (Local)
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