    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [November 23, 2002]
    [Pages 2118-2119]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Receiving the Star of Romania in Bucharest, Romania
    November 23, 2002

        Mr. President, thank you so much for this
    honor. I accept the Star of Romania on behalf of my country, and I
    appreciate the spirit of friendship that this award represents.
        I want to thank the Prime Minister and
    members of your Government for such fine hospitality.
        Laura and I are honored to be here, and so is
    my Cabinet--members of my Cabinet, as well as senior members of my
    staff. We're here because America and the nations of the world have seen
    the courage and character of the Romanian people. You have liberated
    yourselves from tyranny. You're building a vibrant democracy. And you're
    preparing to join NATO. In all these events of history, America has been
    your friend, and we'll be proud to call you Ally.
        Mr. President, Romania and America share
    common values and common challenges. We will join together to open
    markets, to build a new relationship with Russia, to confront global
    terrorism, and to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
    Europe and America face unprecedented dangers to our security, and we
    will face these dangers together.
        The Romanian people have made a great effort to meet the standards
    of NATO membership. That effort is succeeding. America respects all that
    you have done and all that you will do in the cause of freedom. And
    America will be your partner in continuing the work of reform.
        On behalf of the American people, I proudly affirm the close
    relationship between our countries, and I thank you for

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    the honor of this award. May God bless Romania.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:47 p.m. at Cotroceni Palace. In his
    remarks, he referred to President Ion Iliescu and Prime Minister Adrian
    Nastase of Romania.