    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [January 12, 2004]
    [Pages 51-52]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With President Ricardo Lagos of Chile in Monterrey
    January 12, 2004

        President Bush. Listen, I'm honored to be here with el Presidente de
    Chile, Ricardo Lagos. Mr. President, thank you for your leadership and
    friendship. We have had a very close working relationship. And the
    people of the world should take notice of the fact that Chile and
    America negotiated and finalized a free trade agreement, a free trade
    agreement which is in the interests of the people of America and the
    people of Chile. It's an example of the bilateral trade relationships
    that my Government thinks is important.
        But beyond that, we've got a relationship based upon shared values.
    The President is a strong leader who believes in human dignity and human
    rights and in freedom. And for that, Mr. President, I'm grateful for
    your strong voice here in our neighborhood. It's good to see you again,
    sir. Thank you. You're looking good these days.

    [At this point, President Lagos spoke in Spanish, and no translation was
    provided. He then continued in English.]

    [[Page 52]]

        President Lagos. Your Spanish is improving. [Laughter]
        President Bush. Thank you. I appreciate that.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:23 p.m. at the Presidente
    InterContinental Hotel. A tape was not available for verification of the
    content of these remarks.