    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [September 5, 2001]
    [Pages 1074-1075]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1074]]

    Remarks at a Welcoming Ceremony for President Vicente Fox of Mexico
    September 5, 2001

        Mr. President, Mrs. Fox, members
    of the Mexican delegation, distinguished guests: On behalf of the
    American people, it is my honor to welcome you to the United States.
        Mexico is the first country I visited as President. Today it is my
    privilege to welcome President Fox for the first state visit of my
    administration. This is a recognition that the United States has no more
    important relationship in the world than the one we have with Mexico.
        The starting point of a sound foreign policy is to build a stable
    and prosperous neighborhood with good relations amongst neighbors. Good
    neighbors work together and benefit from each other's successes.
        Mr. President, you are a Mexican patriot with a great vision for a
    great people, a vision of justice and prosperity. Your election signaled
    a new birth of freedom for Mexico and set an example for the entire
    world. The United States is proud to stand beside you as your partner
    and as your friend.
        Our nations have an historic opportunity to build an authentic
    partnership grounded in trust and in freedom. Since 1994, the Free Trade
    Agreement amongst our two countries and Canada has created millions of
    jobs and lifted millions of lives. NAFTA stands as a model for the
    benefits that are possible when trade is open and free. Today, our two
    nations are working together to extend the benefits of free trade
    throughout our hemisphere and throughout the world.
        Our common interests, however, extend far beyond commerce. We value
    the cultural contributions each nation makes to each other. We treasure
    the family ties that bind so many millions of our citizens. We
    understand that the border we share is a vibrant region that unites us.
        We understand that our two nations must work together in a spirit of
    respect and common purpose to seize opportunities and tackle challenges
    on the issues that affect the lives of our citizens, including
    migration, the environment, drugs, crime, corruption, and education. And
    both our Governments share a great project, a fully democratic Western
    Hemisphere that grows in prosperity and trades in freedom.
        Some have described the century that just passed as the American
    Century. Now, we look forward. We have a chance to build a century of
    the Americas, in which all our people, north and south, find the
    blessings of liberty. This goal is worthy of our two great nations.
        A Mexican proverb tells us that ``Que tiene un buen vecino tiene un
    buen amigo.'' ``He who has a good neighbor has a good friend.'' Today,
    both our countries are committed to being good neighbors and good
    friends. Friends deal in good faith and disagree with respect. Friends
    stick together in good times and in bad. Most of all, friends bring out
    the best in each other.
        Today, Mexico and the United States are bringing out the best in
    each other in commerce, in culture, and in our shared commitment to
    democratic values. We're building a relationship that is unique in the
    world, a relationship of unprecedented closeness and cooperation. And
    this visit is a milestone on that journey.
        President Fox, in February you welcomed me in your home in
    Guanajuato. Today Laura and I and the American people are honored to
    welcome you and Mrs. Fox to the Casa
    Blanca nuestro pais. [Laughter]
        Thank you for coming.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:12 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House, where

    [[Page 1075]]

    President Fox was accorded a formal welcome with full military honors.
    In his remarks, he referred to Martha Sahagun de Fox, wife of President
    Fox. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also
    included the remarks of President Fox. The Office of the Press Secretary
    also released a Spanish language transcript of these remarks.