    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [June 18, 1991]
    [Pages 692-694]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Toasts at the State Dinner for President Fernando Collor de Mello of
    Brazil
    June 18, 1991

        President Bush. Mr. President and Mrs. Collor and distinguished
    guests, friends of Brazil, it's a distinct privilege for Barbara and me
    to salute this extraordinary President, Fernando Collor de Mello. I'm
    glad that Indiana Jones and his wife could join us tonight. [Laughter]
        I hear that, yesterday, en route from Brasilia to Washington, the
    President himself piloted the plane and even helped land it. I'm glad he
    didn't pull a barrel roll over the South Lawn. [Laughter] But all our
    Brazilian guests are here tonight, so I guess the passengers weren't too
    much in danger. Captain Collor got them here a half-hour early, and
    nobody lost their luggage--[laughter]--so things are going very well to
    start off our visit.
        Our two countries were built on the aspirations of pioneers,
    immigrants, merchants, and workers, hardy people, filled with the spirit
    of enterprise and independence, enthusiasm and ingenuity. And they came
    to the Americas determined to achieve lives of freedom and opportunity.
    And this is our heritage, and we will continue to fulfill it.
        The legacy we leave to our future generations must be an alliance of
    democratic institutions, free markets, and environmental stewardship.
    President Collor, I salute you, sir, for your efforts to invigorate your
    political system, your firm commitment to free people and free markets,
    your determination to raise environmental awareness both at home and
    abroad.
        Our guests deserve to know about your trek to Brazil's scientific
    outpost in Antarctica. You moved around at such a pace that you almost
    lost one of your cabinet officers in a snowbank--something like speed
    golf, only this was in Antarctica. [Laughter]
        Your service to your nation expresses your faith that Brazil will
    move forward and that our nations will continue to be loyal friends and
    allies as we enter the 21st century.
        In 1876, as the United States celebrated its Centennial, a certain
    foreign visitor was making his own headlines. Clad in a black suit and
    silk cap, your Emperor, Dom Pedro II, sailed into New York's East River
    as thousands of spectators thronged the docks, cheering and saluting.
    And then he did this: he traveled our country on our new railroad, over
    9,000 miles from Maryland to Wyoming to California to Louisiana, causing
    one newspaper editor to remark that: ``When he goes home, he will know
    more about the U.S. than two-thirds of the Congress.'' [Laughter] An
    exact quote.
        Finally, on July 4th, in Philadelphia, Dom Pedro joined President
    Grant in opening our centennial exhibit. A hymn was written especially
    for our 100th birthday by the celebrated Brazilian composer Antonio
    Carlos Gomes. A tribute to your Emperor noted that, ``no distinguished
    stranger ever came among us who, at the end of 3 months, seemed so
    little of a stranger and so much of a friend to the whole American
    people as Dom Pedro II of Brazil.''
        Today, Mr. President, you sir, carry on

    [[Page 693]]

    this friendship. Americans are proud to call you our friend. And on
    their behalf, let me propose this toast to the lasting friendship
    between the people of the United States and the people of Brazil, to the
    shared ideals that unite our nations and to a future of freedom,
    democracy, and prosperity all across the Americas. Once again, welcome,
    sir.
        President Collor. Mr. President, Mrs. Bush, ladies and gentlemen, on
    behalf of Rosane and myself, I want to thank you for your kind words and
    your hospitality tonight and throughout our stay in Washington.
        I remember our first meeting in January of last year when I visited
    as President-elect. Even though it was not on the schedule, you invited
    us to dine here in a friendly, informal atmosphere. I am pleased that
    this year's visit has confirmed that same cordiality shown us the night
    Rosane and I had the real surprise dinner at the White House. I also met
    the best-selling author that night. [Laughter] Her name is Millie.
    [Laughter]
        Mr. President, whoever visits the United States encounters the
    fundamental values of Western civilization. Here are joined for the
    first time in history freedom and well-being. The determination with
    which I fight for the democratic development of my country is
    strengthened by the trips I make to the United States.
        Brazil is one of the largest countries in the world in terms of the
    size of its area, population, and economy. We are a democratic,
    industrialized, and dynamic nation on the path of modernity and
    determined to overcome the problems of social inequalities. We want
    these facts recognized, not to increase our status but to increase our
    participation in world decisions and in contributions to mankind.
        Brazil has restored democracy and strengthened its choice of a free
    market economy. These are the principles that form the foundation for my
    government's work towards modernizing our country and renewing our
    international relations.
        Respect for human rights, preservation of nature, freedom to trade
    and to invest, the unvarying pursuit of peace--these for us are not mere
    rhetorical expressions. They are the means we have chosen to rescue the
    millions of Brazilians who still live in poverty.
        We are convinced that we have made the correct decision, but we are
    cognizant of the sacrifices involved. We do not want to share these
    sacrifices. History shows that the progress of any society is determined
    by its own efforts. Our desire to change and our willingness to come to
    grips with the costs of that change must be recognized.
        The international community must respond to these national efforts
    with immediate and effective compensation. The system of nations
    undergoes rapid transformations, and significant advancements in
    political strategy must inspire similar daring and creativity in
    cooperation towards social and economic development.
        In an interdependent world, peace will only be consolidated if there
    is a joint, balanced, and corresponsible effort toward the task of
    establishing a fair order between men and nations. This is the true
    destiny of democracies.
        Mr. President, Mrs. Bush, ladies and gentlemen, Brazil and the
    United States are very close to each other. Geographically, our
    continents are joined. Historically, we belong to the same generation of
    independent nations. Philosophically, the highest value in both our
    cultures is placed on individual and group progress and on political and
    economic freedom. We have a long history of friendship and cooperation
    in common. But we must do more, much more, and we will do it.
        Insofar as the world organizes itself into great continental blocs
    of economic power, it is clearly our responsibility to build a strong,
    united region. The partnership which we shall create and extend together
    with the other nations of Latin America will be fundamental for the
    future of this hemisphere. The opportunity, President Bush, is before
    us, within our grasp. Brazil and the United States have never traveled
    opposite paths. This is no longer enough. Let us now forge better paths
    together.
        I sincerely hope that our reencounter inaugurates a new partnership
    between the people of our two nations. May God guide us, President Bush.
    Thank you.

    [[Page 694]]

        And I would like to propose a toast for the health, the prosperity
    of the United States of America and its great President, Mr. Bush, and
    Mrs. Bush.

                        Note: President Bush spoke at 8:10 p.m. in the State
                            Dining Room at the White House. In his remarks,
                            he referred to President Collor's wife, Rosane.
                            President Collor referred to the President's dog
                            Millie and ``Millie's Book as Dictated to
                            Barbara Bush.''