President Bush Welcomes President Arroyo in State Arrival Ceremony
Remarks by President Bush and President Arroyo of the Philippines at State Arrival Ceremony
The South Lawn
9:11 A.M. EDT
PRESIDENT BUSH: Madam President, Attorney Arroyo, members of the
Philippine delegation, members of Congress, and distinguished guests:
On behalf of the American people, Laura and I welcome you to the United
States.
This is the first state visit by the leader of an Asian country
during my administration. You honor the American people with your
visit, because our two nations share special ties of history and
friendship and family. And we share a commitment to the defense of
democracy and the advance of freedom.
Just over a century ago, Americans and Filipinos worked side by
side to liberate the Philippines. Nearly half a century later, in a
world war, our soldiers fought and died together in places like Bataan
and Corregidor. And on this foundation of common sacrifice, America
and the Philippines built an alliance that remains strong, an alliance
that is essential to the peace of the Pacific.
In this new century, both our nations are threatened by terrorism,
and we are determined to fight that threat until it is defeated. Our
diplomats, and law enforcement and intelligence officers are working
arm-in-arm to disrupt terror plots, to cut off terrorist financing, and
to bring the terrorists to justice.
President Arroyo has welcomed American troops to train and advise
their Philippine counterparts in Philippine-led antiterror operations.
And she has been a leader in building broader cooperation against
terror throughout the Asian Pacific region.
Madam President, for all you have done to make our world safer,
America thanks you. (Applause.)
Last week's terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia that killed innocent
civilians from the United States, the Philippines, and many other
nations, remind us that the war on terror continues. The world's free
nations have the courage and the determination to fight this war. And
together, we will defeat the forces of global terror.
President Arroyo also recognizes the threat posed by weapons of
mass destruction. And she spoke with strength and conviction of the
need to disarm the Iraqi dictator and to liberate the Iraqi people.
Now the Philippines is helping Iraq take its place among free nations
by sending military police and medical personnel. The President and I
both recognize that a free and secure Iraq is good for the Philippines,
is good for America, and is good for the world.
We share great goals in the world. We are committed to opening
markets in Asia and around the world to bring more people into an
expanding circle of development and prosperity. And we are committed
to adding the moral and material resources of our countries to the
global fight against poverty and hunger and disease.
The partnership between our nations is sustained by the friendship
between our peoples. More than 2 million Americans trace their
ancestry back to the Philippines, and they enrich our national life.
Many Filipino Americans serve in our military, and I'm proud to
recognize one of them today. Army Lieutenant General Edward Soriano is
one of the highest-ranking Filipino Americans in the history of
America's military. (Applause.) He brings pride to both our
countries, and we honor his service in the cause of freedom.
The Philippines was the first democracy in Asia and has a proud
tradition of democratic values, love of family and faith in God.
President Arroyo, you are carrying this tradition forward, and I'm
proud to call you friend. (Applause.) Today the First Lady and I are
honored to welcome you and Attorney Arroyo to America and to the White
House. Mabuhay! (Applause.)
PRESIDENT ARROYO: Thank you very much. President Bush, Mrs. Bush,
Vice President Cheney, Mrs. Cheney, Secretary Powell, Mrs. Powell,
Secretary Rumsfeld, General Myers, officials of the U.S. government,
excellencies of the diplomatic corps, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you,
President Bush, for inviting me to this state visit. It only confirms
that relations between our two countries are deeper and warmer today
than they have been in a very long time. (Applause.)
Today our two countries have a revitalized and maturing alliance,
rooted in shared history, shared values, a common interest in global
peace and prosperity, and a real commitment to combating terrorism and
advancing freedom.
Our alliance abides strong as ever, even as the world today
requires a new perspective on political and economic security in Asia
Pacific. This new perspective must recognize that while Asia must take
greater responsibility for its own political and economic security, it
must also recognize that strong relations with the U.S. will contribute
greatly to regional peace and prosperity, stability and security,
especially from terrorism. (Applause.)
Thus we, your friends, must find a way to support continued and
active engagement with the U.S. at a time when there are some forces in
my region working against such a relationship. Although wisdom
counsels commitment, in the face of terror the temptation to disengage
is strong. We must fight that temptation, because the answer to fear
is confrontation. Indeed, we must close ranks and stand firm against
terrorist threats, however grave, however armed, and from whatever
quarter. (Applause.)
To spare themselves, some countries might prefer an accommodation
with terrorism. The Philippines has chosen to fight terrorism.
(Applause.) We compensate for such modest means as we command with an
unshakable resolve to defeat terrorism once and for all, and with faith
in the justice of our cause and our friendship with the United States.
Our war on terrorism has made significant gains, but the threat is
far from over. The war is not yet won. But it will be won, there can
be no doubt. How long and at what cost are the only things in doubt.
As the terrorist attack in Riyadh, which took both Filipino and
American lives, shows, for the Philippines, the new perspective on
economic and political security in Asia Pacific must take into account
the over seven million of our men and women who, in seeking a better
life abroad, contribute greatly to the development of economies around
the world, not least that of the United States.
I am proud of these Filipino Americans. (Applause.) I am proud of
the contributions that Filipinos and Filipino Americans make to the
American economy and society. In a quiet, but equally substantive way,
we can compare it to the contribution made by Philippine World War II
veterans to the defense of our common freedom and security.
(Applause.)
I also take pride in the robust economic and trade ties that bind
the Philippines and the United States. The Philippines is pursuing
long-needed economic reforms. The current and continuing reforms will
strengthen the Philippine republic. They will make easier Philippine
and American economic cooperation, and they will promote the cost of
fighting world poverty.
I appreciate the help of President Bush in our work to alleviate
poverty and other socio-economic ills from which terrorism draws its
strength. Like the fear on which it feeds, terrorism can be
contagious, and it will not be contained unless we agree on a
comprehensive approach for defeating it in Southeast Asia.
And so, in looking forward to discussing that comprehensive
approach, I look forward to my talks with President Bush and his
officials in this administration. And I hope President Bush
reciprocates this visit by accepting a state visit to the Philippines
towards the end of this year. Thank you. (Applause.)