    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [October 12, 1997]
    [Pages 1342-1343]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Arrival in Caracas, Venezuela
    October 12, 1997

        President and Mrs. Caldera, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the
    entire American delegation and all the American people, let me first
    say, Saludos, amigos. It is good to be in Venezuela.
        When the first explorers came to the Americas centuries ago, there
    was no distinction in their minds between North and South America; it
    was simply the New World. Now we have an opportunity to bring the
    Americas together again; a land united by shared values from Alaska to
    Patagonia; a place the rest of the world can look to and say, this is
    where the future lives.
        Indeed, we are present at the future. Every country but one in our
    hemisphere is now a democracy. Command economies have given way to free
    markets and the more widespread prosperity they bring. We tear down
    trade barriers and create good jobs for all our people in the Americas,
    North and South.
        Even as our governments are devoted to free markets and enterprise,
    we assume the necessary responsibility for meeting their challenges: to
    educate our children, to protect their health and the environment, to
    defend their liberty and human rights. If we stay this course, in the
    21st century the Americas can be a stronghold for security and
    prosperity; a model to the world that democracy, open markets, and
    cooperation can deliver blessings to all our people.
        Venezuela has been a driving force in this quiet revolution. Your
    democracy is strong after weathering difficult challenges. Your economy
    is growing in the wake of real sacrifice. The strength you find in
    Venezuela's diversity is indeed an inspiration to every nation in our
    hemisphere.
        The United States is proud of its partnership with Venezuela, proud
    that we share a fundamental optimism about the future and a common
    resolve to work toward securing the benefits of peace and prosperity.
    From an abiding faith in democracy to a willingness to fight crime and
    corruption, from energy development to environmental protection, from
    music to baseball, we are united by our concerns and by our passions.
        Thirty-six years ago, John Kennedy became the first American
    President to visit Venezuela. In speaking to the people here, he cited
    his predecessor, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and his earlier efforts to
    promote friendship between the nations of this hemisphere--and I quote--
    ``united by nature and united in their common

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    aspirations.'' Today, I proudly follow in the footsteps of both men,
    committed to sustain their impulse to reach across borders and learn
    from our friends and neighbors for our mutual benefit.
        As we stand on the edge of a new century in a new millennium, we are
    very much like the first explorers who came here centuries ago; we can
    see a new world in the making. That is our chance and our
    responsibility. Let us seize it together.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:10 p.m. at La Carlotta Air Base. In his
    remarks, he referred to President Rafael Caldera of Venezuela and his
    wife, Alicia.