    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [March 14, 2002]
    [Pages 413-414]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following Discussions With Prime Minister Jean
    Chretien of Canada
    March 14, 2002

        President Bush. It's my honor to welcome the Prime Minister of
    Canada, a personal friend and a great friend of America, back to the
    White House. We had a wide-ranging discussion on a lot of topics,
    starting with how appreciative I am of his steadfast support and the
    Canadian Government's steadfast support and the Canadian people's
    steadfast support in our war against terror. We know the Canadians have
    put troops on the ground in Afghanistan, and they have performed
    brilliantly. For that, we are grateful.
        We also talked about our border. We've got a great relationship on
    our border. We've had a series of meaningful discussions on putting
    reforms in place. I believe our border cooperation is going to be the
    model for not only our hemisphere but also for the world.
        We also talked about trade issues. Canada is a massive trading
    partner with the United States, and it's an important trading partner of
    the United States. And like any relationship that has got a lot of
    issues, sometimes we run into rough spots. And one such issue is
    softwood lumber. But our negotiators, as a result of the Prime
    Minister's assistance and my assistance, are working overtime to achieve
    an agreement by March the 21st. We're making very good progress. And
    we've agreed to keep working hard to achieve an agreement that is
    satisfactory to both parties, and I believe we can achieve that.
        So, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you very much for coming.
        Oh, by the way, we talked energy. It's important for the American
    people to know that as a result of our trade agreements with Canada and
    our close relations, Canada is a significant supplier of energy to the
    United States. And that's positive. It's much better for us to be
    securing our energy from a friend and a stable friend and a partner.
        And so I appreciate the Canadian energy business. I appreciate the
    exploration that's going on. It is good for our economy. I shared with
    the Prime Minister--I'm optimistic about our economy. We've still got
    some rough spots, but it looks like we may be improving. And if we are,
    that will be good news for both of us.
        So, Mr. Prime Minister, welcome back. It is my honor to serve you
    dinner again, and it's a thrill to be with you.
        Prime Minister Chretien. Thank you, Mr. President. I cannot add to
    what the President said. He covered the ground very well. I think the
    relations between America and Canada could not be better. We are solving
    problems when we have one. We are working with America in the war
    against terrorism. Our troops are in the fight at this moment in
    Afghanistan. You know, in the snow, we're good at it, President, you
    know. And we----
        President Bush. You're good on the ice, too. [Laughter]
        Prime Minister Chretien. We are good on the ice, too--and both men
    and women. [Laughter] And so--and we have to work on our other problems.
    Thank you for the statement you made on softwood lumber. I think that
    the defense of our values and against terrorism are extremely important
    for Canadians. And we have worked very well together.
        For me, I should say a few words in French, with your permission.
        President Bush. Please.
        Prime Minister Chretien. Can you translate after that? [Laughter]

    [At this point, Prime Minister Chretien spoke in French and then resumed
    speaking in English.]

    [[Page 414]]

        I want to tell you that we spoke about Africa, and I want to say--I
    said that in French--I want to say thank you for what you have announced
    today, about the programs that you have announced, because as you know,
    at Kananaskis in Canada, at the G-8, the main topic will be Africa. And
    we want to establish a partnership with them. They came to Genoa last
    June; you and our colleagues asked me to take--[inaudible]--at that
    time. And I think that the partnership, and with your contribution, is
    developing very well.
        Next month I will be traveling in Africa for--visiting five or six
    countries to build a partnership but to reward good governance, human
    rights, to make sure that they have real democracies and so on. And
    those who don't do that will have to--not to be rewarded, because they
    will not meet what the world wants.
        So thank you again, Mr. President.
        For the press, I will take questions after my dinner. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 6:10 p.m. in the Colonnade at the White
    House.