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Skriven 2006-11-17 23:31:06 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0611177) for Fri, 2006 Nov 17
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President Bush Exchanges Toasts at State Banquet in Vietnam
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 17, 2006

President Bush Exchanges Toasts at State Banquet in Vietnam
International Convention Center
Hanoi, Vietnam


˙˙˙˙˙ APEC 2006 ˙˙˙˙˙ President's Trip to Southeast Asia

PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. President, and Madam Chi, the reason I'm smiling is
because I'm really happy to be here. And so is Laura. And we thank you for
your warm hospitality. First, I want to congratulate you for your success
on hosting APEC. I'm confident our fellow leaders will have the same sense
of gratitude and respect that we feel from the Vietnamese people.

Vietnam is a remarkable country. For decades you had been torn apart by
war. Today the Vietnamese people are at peace and seeing the benefits of
reform. The Vietnamese own their own businesses, and today the Vietnamese
economy is the fastest growing in Southeast Asia. Vietnamese students have
great opportunities here at home and abroad. The Vietnamese people are
traveling around the world and sharing this ancient culture with peoples of
the world. And the United States, as well as other APEC partners, look
forward to strengthening our ties.

The American people welcome the progress of Vietnam. And we want to
continue to work together to better our relations. We will work with you to
help combat avian flu and HIV/AIDS. We have signed agreements to protect
religious freedom. We strongly support Vietnam in the World Trade
Organization.

Vietnam is a country that's taking its rightful place as a strong and
vibrant nation. Mr. President, your leadership is helping your country
succeed. I can see it as I drive on the streets, the people of your country
have hope. And I hope they know as a result of my visit they have the
friendship of the American people.

And so, Mr. President, I would like to propose a toast to you and Madam Chi
and to the fine people of Vietnam. (Applause.)

(A toast is offered.)

END
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