    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [May 3, 1999]
    [Pages 670-671]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the Welcoming Ceremony for Prime Minister Keizo
    Obuchi of Japan
    May 3, 1999

        Prime Minister Obuchi, Mrs. Obuchi,
    members of the Japanese delegation, my fellow Americans. Mr. Prime
    Minister, we welcome you to America and to the White House, and to greet
    you in the spring when the cherry blossoms every year remind us of the
    generosity and friendship of the Japanese people.
        The cherry blossoms--or in Japanese, sakura--have made it through
    changing times, environmental challenges, and even most recently, the
    attention of our local population of beavers. [Laughter] They have
    endured, as our friendship has endured and will continue to endure
    forever.

    [[Page 671]]

        For a half century, our friendship has been a bedrock of security in
    Asia. It remains so. But now it is proving itself in the face of new
    challenges, as well, from protecting the environment to fighting AIDS to
    stopping the spread of deadly weapons. We are allies today because we
    share common values and a common vision of the future, rooted in
    democracy, human rights, and political pluralism.
        Mr. Prime Minister, you have been in office less than a year, but
    already you have taken important steps in meeting the challenges that
    face you and reaching the goals that unite us. Our nations are proud to
    reaffirm our partnership for the new century. We value our security
    relationship, what it does to build peace in northeast Asia, our common
    efforts in Indonesia, and Japan's consistent contributions to relief
    efforts so far from your shores, from Central America to the Middle East
    and, now, to Kosovo.
        The economic difficulties of recent years have been a challenge to
    many people in Japan and throughout Asia. But with the right choices,
    Japan--and Asia--will emerge stronger, more open, more democratic,
    better adapted to meet the 21st century.
        In just a few years, we will mark the 150th anniversary of our
    relationship. The Japanese and the American people have come a great
    distance in that time together. We work together; our children study
    together; our Armed Forces have served together. We even share a
    national pastime. In fact, just last Saturday, at a time when American
    Major League Baseball teams all across the country are competing for
    Japanese pitching talent, a new pitcher from across the Pacific threw
    out the first ball at Wrigley Field. Mr. Prime Minister, you did a fine
    job. [Laughter]
        Mr. Prime Minister, the Japanese-American friendship is testament to
    the basic truth that with trust and understanding and genuine
    partnership, we can meet the challenges of the new century and give our
    children a more peaceful and prosperous future.
        Mr. Prime Minister, Mrs. Obuchi, you honor us with your visit and,
    again, we welcome you to the United States.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:55 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House, where Prime Minister Obuchi was accorded a formal welcome with
    full military honors. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister
    Obuchi's wife, Chizuko. The transcript released by the Office of the
    Press Secretary also included the remarks of the Prime Minister.