    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [October 18, 2003]
    [Pages 1356-1357]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a State Dinner Hosted by President Gloria Macapagal-
    Arroyo in Manila
    October 18, 2003

        The President. Thank you very much, Madam President and Attorney
    Arroyo, for your gracious hospitality.
    Laura and I are really grateful for your warm
    words of welcome. We also appreciate the distinction you have bestowed
    upon us this evening, the Order of the Sikatuna and the Order of
    Gabriela Silang. We are honored to accept them on behalf of the American
    people.
        I represent the oldest democracy in the Americas. And I'm proud to
    pay tribute to the oldest democracy in Asia. The friendship between our
    countries is strong and warm and enduring, and we reaffirm that
    partnership here tonight.
        Today I was the first United States President since Dwight
    Eisenhower to address a Joint Session of your Congress. In 1960,
    President Eisenhower expressed America's firm support for a fledgling
    democracy. Two generations later, I am pleased to show my country's
    support for the great democracy you have become.
        The Philippines and the United States are linked by shared values,
    by shared history, and by a shared commitment to the defense of liberty.
    Only a few miles from this palace are the graves of 17,000 Americans who
    fought for freedom in the Pacific. Their lasting legacy and the legacy
    of the Filipinos who fought with them is a free and democratic
    Philippine nation.
        Today, free nations are tested once again. Once again, we face
    determined enemies of freedom, the terrorists and their allies. Once
    again, we are depending on one another in an hour of need. Once again,
    we are relying on the strength of the great alliance between our two
    countries. Once again, we will prevail.
        Madam President, I thank you for your friendship and counsel, for
    your courage and perseverance. And I offer this toast to you, to the
    great nation of the Philippines, and to the lasting friendship between
    our two peoples.

     [At this point, the President offered a toast.]

        The President. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 6:45 p.m. at Malacanang Palace. In his
    remarks, he referred to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the
    Philippines, and her husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo.

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