    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book II)]
    [September 21, 2004]
    [Page 2142]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India in New York City
    September 21, 2004

        President Bush. I've really been looking forward to meeting the
    Prime Minister.
        Prime Minister Singh. Thank you.
        President Bush. He's the leader of a great country and the leader of
    a friend of the United States.
        And I'm proud you're here, sir.
        Prime Minister Singh. Thank you, Mr. President. I'm very, very happy
    to be in this land of opportunity that the United States is. And under
    your distinguished leadership, our two countries' relations have grown
    in diverse ways, but I do believe that the best is yet to come.
        President Bush. Yes, sir. [Laughter] Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:08 a.m. at the Waldorf-Astoria. A tape
    was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.