    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [May 19, 2003]
    [Pages 503-504]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Welcoming Ceremony for President Gloria Macapagal-
    Arroyo of the Philippines
    May 19, 2003

        President Bush. Madam President, Attorney Arroyo,
    Miguel members of the Philippine delegation, Members of
    Congress, and distinguished guests: On behalf of the American people,
    Laura and I welcome you to the United States.
        This is the first state visit by the leader of an Asian country
    during my administration. You honor the American people with your visit,
    because our two nations share special ties of history and friendship and
    family. And we share a commitment to the defense of democracy and the
    advance of freedom.
        Just over a century ago, Americans and Filipinos worked side by side
    to liberate the Philippines. Nearly half a century later, in a World
    War, our soldiers fought and died together in places like Bataan and

    [[Page 504]]

    Corregidor. And on this foundation of common sacrifice, America and the
    Philippines built an alliance that remains strong, an alliance that is
    essential to the peace of the Pacific.
        In this new century, both our nations are threatened by terrorism,
    and we are determined to fight that threat until it is defeated. Our
    diplomats and law enforcement and intelligence officers are working arm-
    in-arm to disrupt terror plots, to cut off terrorist financing, and to
    bring the terrorists to justice.
        President Arroyo has welcomed American troops to train and advise
    their Philippine counterparts in Philippine-led antiterror operations.
    And she has been a leader in building broader cooperation against terror
    throughout the Asian Pacific region.
        Madam President, for all you have done to make our world safer,
    America thanks you.
        Last week's terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia that killed innocent
    civilians from the United States, the Philippines, and many other
    nations remind us that the war on terror continues. The world's free
    nations have the courage and the determination to fight this war, and
    together we will defeat the forces of global terror.
        President Arroyo also recognizes the threat posed by weapons of mass
    destruction. And she spoke with strength and conviction of the need to
    disarm the Iraqi dictator and to liberate the
    Iraqi people. Now the Philippines is helping Iraq take its place among
    free nations by sending military police and medical personnel. The
    President and I both recognize that a free and secure Iraq is good for
    the Philippines, is good for America, and is good for the world.
        We share great goals in the world. We are committed to opening
    markets in Asia and around the world to bring more people into an
    expanding circle of development and prosperity. And we are committed to
    adding the moral and material resources of our countries to the global
    fight against poverty and hunger and disease.
        Partnership between our nations is sustained by the friendship
    between our peoples. More than 2 million Americans trace their ancestry
    back to the Philippines, and they enrich our national life. Many
    Filipino Americans serve in our military, and I'm proud to recognize one
    of them today. Army Lieutenant General Edward Soriano is one of the
    highest ranking Filipino Americans in the history of America's military.
    He brings pride to both our countries, and we honor his service in the
    cause of freedom.
        The Philippines was the first democracy in Asia and has a proud
    tradition of democratic values, love of family, and faith in God.
    President Arroyo, you are carrying this tradition forward, and I'm proud
    to call you friend. Today the First Lady and I are honored to welcome
    you and Attorney Arroyo to America and to the White House. Mabuhay!

    Note: The President spoke at 9:11 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House, where President Macapagal-Arroyo was accorded a formal welcome
    with full military honors. In his remarks, President Bush referred to
    Jose Miguel Arroyo, husband of President Macapagal-Arroyo; and former
    President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. The transcript released by the Office
    of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of President Macapagal-
    Arroyo. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of these remarks.