For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 19, 2003
Remarks by President Bush in An Exchange of Toasts
Grand Palace
Bangkok, Thailand
7:40 P.M. (Local)
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Your Majesty, for your warm and
gracious welcome. Thanks also to Her Majesty, the Queen, for hosting
this event. I thank, as well, the Grand Chamberlain who earlier today
led us on a tour of the magnificent Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Laura and I have been seeing the famous hospitality of the Thai people,
and we are most grateful.
The United States of America deeply values our alliance with
the Kingdom of Thailand. Your Majesty, the world has changed
greatly since your reign began 57 years ago. Yet thanks to your
enlightened leadership and steady hand, the friendship between
our two nations has remained constant.
Over the decades, we worked together to build the foundations
of liberty in this region -- rule of law, respect for human
rights, free enterprise and peace. Today we continue to strive toward
the same goals in the face of different challenges. Nations are
working together in Afghanistan and Iraq. Royal Thai troops have
served well in both places, helping Afghans and Iraqis make
the transition from tyranny to self-government.
The emergence of these free nations is a setback for terrorism
and radicalism. By sharing the duties of our coalition,
Thailand is contributing to peace and stability in those two
countries and increasing the security of all free nations.
Thailand has played a vital role in East Timor, helping create a
new nation, to bring dignity to nearly a million people and to
stabilize an entire region. You are fully joined in the fight
against the drug trade and against HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
Thailand is a principled, generous nation, rising to meet
the challenges of our time. Thailand's positive influence in the
world is inspired by the fine example of service that Your Majesty, and
Her Majesty, the Queen, set for your people. It's also vivid in
the great, humane traditions of this land. America is honored to have
your friendship.
So I offer a toast to Your Majesties, to the Royal Family, and
to your great nation. (A toast is offered.)
END
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