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Skriven 2007-05-08 23:33:16 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0705086) for Tue, 2007 May 8
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President Bush and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Exchange Toasts
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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 8, 2007

President Bush and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Exchange Toasts The
British Embassy

˙ /news/releases/2007/05/20070508-6.wm.v.html ˙˙Presidential Remarks
˙˙Audio

˙˙˙˙˙ Welcoming Queen Elizabeth II

8:00 P.M. EDT

HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II: Mr. President, I wondered whether I should
start this toast saying, "When I was here in 1776" -- (laughter and
applause.)

Mr. President, it is a real pleasure to welcome you and Mrs. Bush here this
evening. Over our six days in the United States, we have much enjoyed the
chance to dwell on the history of the relationship between our two
countries, as well as celebrating its present strength and vitality. I
would like to thank everyone for the warmth and kindness extended to us.

I would also like to take this opportunity, on the day that has seen the
formal transfer of power to the devolved Northern Ireland government, to
thank you and your predecessors for your contribution to bringing peace to
Northern Ireland.

May I ask everyone to rise and drink a toast to President and Mrs. Bush, to
the future of our two countries, and the enduring friendship between
Britain and the United States.

Mr. President.

(A toast is offered.)

PRESIDENT BUSH: Your Majesty, I can't top that one. (Laughter.)

Your Royal Highness, distinguished guests, thank you so much for a warm
welcome. Laura and I appreciate your hospitality. I particularly want to
thank Ambassador Manning and Lady Manning for inviting us to your home.

The friendship between the British and American people is one of the oldest
and most enduring in history. This friendship has been built on the common
ideal of freedom, and forged by our shared sacrifices in freedom's defense.

Your Majesty, I appreciate your visit to our World War II Memorial. I thank
you for sharing your perspective last night on how the Atlantic Alliance
that emerged from a great conflict has helped lay the foundation for
freedom's triumph in Europe and beyond.

Today, British and American troops are following the example set by a
previous generation. Troops from our two countries are serving side by side
to bring the hope of liberty to regions that have not known it. Together
we're supporting young democracies that are taking their first steps on the
path to free and peaceful societies.

This morning the world witnessed yet another advance for freedom and peace
-- the people of Northern Ireland took control of their future when
Catholics and Protestants came together to form a new government that
offers the prospect of peace and reconciliation after years of violence and
division. In Belfast today, we're seeing once again how democracy and
freedom can help heal a wounded world.

Your Majesty, thank you for your words tonight, and for the love and
affection you have shown the American people over many years. In this
spirit, I offer a toast to Your Majesty, to Your Royal Highness, and to our
closest of friends, the British people.

(A toast is offered.)

END 8:04 P.M. EDT
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