[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.''