    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [May 6, 1998]
    [Page 699]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 699]]

    Remarks at the Welcoming Ceremony for Prime Minister Romano Prodi of Italy
    May 6, 1998

        Prime Minister, Mrs. Prodi, members of the
    Italian delegation, welcome to the White House and welcome to the United
    States. Hillary and I are delighted to see you again, and I look forward
    to our talks today which will deepen our relationship. But first let me
    say, I was terribly saddened to hear of the torrential rains and
    mudslides in southern Italy which have resulted in the loss of Italian
    lives. United States forces from Aviano are now transporting Italian
    civilians to the scene to assist in rescue efforts.
        The history of our partnership is long and special. Every
    schoolchild knows that Columbus crossed the Atlantic in 1492, soon to be
    followed by other great Italian explorers, Amerigo Vespucci, John Cabot,
    Giovanni da Verrazano. That was only the beginning of a relationship
    that has now flourished for centuries, bringing us together in new ways
    generation after generation.
        Today, Italians once again are expanding the world's horizons. Italy
    stands at the forefront of a new Europe, leading efforts to promote
    peace and unity throughout the Continent, from economic and monetary
    union to military cooperation.
        In recent months, Italy has led efforts to restore civil order in
    Albania and is seeking to avert a deepening conflict in Kosovo. Italian
    and American troops patrol alongside one another in Bosnia, and we will
    continue to work together to build stability throughout southeastern
    Europe and the Mediterranean. And finally let me say, we are deeply
    grateful for Italy's hospitality toward United States forces working to
    preserve peace in Europe.
        Mr. Prime Minister, under your leadership Italy is building a better
    future. Enterprise is thriving; the rule of law prevails. Today's dreams
    are being shaped into tomorrow's reality.
        Together we are exploring outer space, fighting crime and terrorism,
    restricting the spread of dangerous weapons, and creating a climate
    where goods and ideas can be freely exchanged between our countries and
    around the world. Truly, Italy is setting an example for the new Europe.
        This week in Washington and next week at summits in Europe, we will
    forge even stronger bonds of cooperation to equip our people to succeed
    in the global economy, to combat international crime and other threats
    to the security of our citizens, to nurture the health of our planet.
    The year from now, we look forward to meeting here again when the NATO
    alliance celebrates its 50th anniversary and acts to make the alliance
    stronger for the next 50 years.
        The great seal of the United States contains the words novus ordo
    seclorum, a new order of the ages. Those words were written by Vergil in
    Italy more than 2,000 years ago. But they have fresh meaning today, as a
    new generation builds a new order of peace and freedom, prosperity and
    security for the 21st century. Vergil's words apply to your deeds, Mr.
    Prime Minister, and we are very glad to welcome you to the United States
    of America.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:07 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House, where Prime Minister Prodi was accorded a formal welcome with
    full military honors. In his remarks, the President referred to the
    Prime Minister's wife, Flavia Prodi. The transcript made available by
    the Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of Prime
    Minister Prodi.