    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [October 6, 2003]
    [Page 1261]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a State Dinner Honoring President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya
    October 6, 2003

    [The President's remarks are joined in progress.]

        It is a real honor for us to welcome you. Our two nations are old
    friends and natural partners. We both emerged from a colonial past to
    become free nations. We stood together during the cold war, opposing
    imperial communism. Today, we stand together against the forces of
    terror and in the defense of human dignity.
        We both understand the danger and cost of terrorism. It has brought
    damage to both our economies and grief to both our nations. With us
    tonight are two women who suffered terribly on August 7, 1998. Susan
    Hirsch lost her husband, Abdulrahman Mohamed
    Abdulla, a Kenyan citizen, in the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Dar es
    Salaam, Tanzania. And Susan Bartley lost her
    husband, Julian, our U.S. Consul General, and her son, Jay, when the
    terrorists struck our Embassy in Nairobi. Both of you are honored guests
    here tonight, and we honor as well the memory of your loved ones.
        America and Kenya are committed to the war on terror, and we seek a
    just and peaceful world beyond the war on terror. Kenya is finding what
    America has found, that democracy and liberty and free markets are
    honorable and just and indispensable to real progress. The challenges of
    freedom are real; yet the benefits of freedom are great and everlasting.
        There is a Swahili proverb which says, ``Forever persist; a rope can
    cut stone.'' Kenya and its leaders have been persistent and courageous
    in the cause of freedom. You're resolved in the fight against terror.
    Kenya is an example to all of Africa and a respected partner of America.
        For all these reasons, Mr. President, I'm pleased to offer a toast
    to the enduring friendship between Kenya and the United States of
    America.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:36 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the
    White House. The transcript issued by the Office of the Press Secretary
    did not include the complete opening portion of President Bush's remarks
    but did include the remarks of President Kibaki.