President's Remarks with PM Barroso of Portugal
Remarks by the President and Prime Minister Jose Manuel Durao Barroso of Portugal in Photo Opportunity The Oval Office
11:22 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Prime Minister, welcome back. It's such an
honor to have you here. I have been most impressed by Jose's
leadership style, his candor and his honesty. And I appreciate very
much his friendship.
We have had a lot of dialogues over the past months. Of course, he
welcomed me and others to the Azores. And I value his advice. He's a
good, honest fellow who cares deeply about basic values. He cares
deeply about peace and freedom. And I treasure my relationship with
the Prime Minister.
I'm really glad you came. I want to thank you for being here. I
look forward to a good, candid discussion today and a good lunch -- and
on behalf of the American people, welcome you back to the Oval Office.
THE PRIME MINISTER: Thank you very much, Mr. President, for this
warm welcome. I believe that recent trials put our nations even
closer. It was a great European that once said that no noble things
can be done without risks. You were able to take great risks in Iraq,
we supported you.
Now you are taking great risks in the Middle East peace process.
Let me congratulate you for that initiative, for re-energizing the
peace process. I think the United States of America and Europe --
Portugal being a European country -- we have a lot to do together and I
am very much looking forward to this opportunity to discuss with you,
and always with the spirit of friendship that exists between the
Portuguese and the American people, discuss all these ideas.
And we'll stand by you, because I think that what you have been
doing is really great achievement. We have won the war, now we all
have to win the peace. And I think that we are going to reach that
goal.