    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [September 27, 1994]
    [Pages 1633-1634]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Welcoming President Boris Yeltsin of Russia
    September 27, 1994

        President and Mrs. Yeltsin, members of the Russian delegation,
    distinguished guests. On behalf of the American people, it is my great
    honor to welcome President Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin and Mrs. Naina
    Yeltsin to Washington for this state visit.
        Mr. President, it wasn't so long ago that Russian-American summits
    were moments of high drama and sometimes disappointing results. The
    people of our countries and from around the world watched nervously as
    their leaders met in a heavy atmosphere of mutual suspicion and fear.
    The fate of the world seemed to hang in the balance of those encounters.
    And success was defined as the avoidance of confrontation or crisis.
        Our moment is quite different but no less important. For these are
    exciting times, times of great opportunity. And we are cooperating to
    seize them for the good of all Russians, all Americans, and all the
    people of the world. Today we meet not as adversaries but as partners in
    the quest for a more prosperous and a more peaceful planet. In so many
    areas, our interests no longer conflict, they coincide. And where we do
    disagree, we can discuss our differences in a climate of warm peace, not
    cold war.
        The Russian-American relationship is at last, remarkably, a normal
    one, full of real accomplishments and genuine promise. Mr. President,
    this evolution in our relations is due in no small part to the peaceful
    revolution you are leading in Russia, one that the United States has
    fully supported. Your steadfastness and courage in the face of difficult
    odds have inspired millions of Americans.
        And you have proved the pessimists wrong. Far from falling backward,
    Russia, under your leadership, is coming together and moving forward.
    Your efforts, of course, could not be successful if you did not have the
    support of a great and courageous people. Here in America, we have known
    the trials and tribulations of history, but the Russian people have
    survived invasions and wars, deprivation and dictatorship.

    [[Page 1634]]

    And through it all, the Russians have endured, producing uplifting
    poetry and songs, great novels and films, ingenious science and path-
    breaking technology. Now, the free and open society you are building
    will allow the Russian people finally to reach their full potential.
    Russia's greatest hours lie before her.
        Mr. President, we are privileged to share a great moment, an
    historic opportunity. When we met in Vancouver over 18 months ago, and
    again in Moscow last January, we vowed to seize that opportunity by
    creating and building upon a new partnership between our two nations, a
    partnership that works. And we have kept that commitment.
        As a result, our missiles no longer target each other's people for
    destruction; instead, they are being dismantled. Our soldiers no longer
    face each other as deadly adversaries; instead, they work together as
    partners for peace. Young Russians and Americans no longer learn to be
    fearful and mistrustful of each other; instead, they study together in
    record numbers. Trade between our countries is no longer stifled by
    export controls and prohibitions; instead, it is growing every day to
    the benefit of both our peoples. In short, our nations are growing
    closer together, replacing suspicion and fear with trust and
    cooperation.
        Mr. President, this summit of ours, unlike its predecessors, is
    about the future, a future in which we will strive to integrate Russia
    and the West, to build a new century of peace in Europe, and a future of
    shared responsibility that comes with vast territory, large populations,
    great power, and democratic values, to use our combined influence and
    authority for the good of the world beyond our borders.
        Together, we have agreed to safeguard nuclear materials and to shut
    down plutonium production reactors. Together, with Ukraine, Kazakhstan,
    and Belarus, we will rid your region of thousands of nuclear warheads.
    Together, we must ensure that all the new independent states achieve
    their rightful place as strong and independent nations in Europe, able
    to chart their own destinies. For that reason, all Americans rejoiced
    and deeply respected your decision to withdraw your troops from the
    Baltic nations.
        Together, we are working to bring peace to Bosnia, to the Middle
    East, to Nagorno-Karabakh. Together, we will build an international
    space station and explore the solar system. Together, we will carry the
    fight against transnational problems like terrorism, environmental
    degradation, and organized crime. Together, we can and we will make a
    difference not only for our own people but also for men, women, and
    children all around the world.
        Mr. President, it is an honor to have you with us. Together, we have
    done well in laying the foundation of trust and security between our two
    peoples. Now let us build on it to secure a future of peace.
        Welcome to the United States.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:15 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House.