    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [September 14, 2005]
    [Pages 1435-1436]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Luncheon Hosted by Secretary-General Kofi Annan of the United Nations in New York City
    September 14, 2005

        Mr. Secretary-General, distinguished members of the United Nations
    community, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, our country is
    honored to welcome you to New York. I'm pleased to be with you at the
    60th session of the United Nations General Assembly, this year under the
    leadership of President Eliasson of Sweden.
        We meet at a time of tragedy for this country, when citizens along
    our gulf coast are recovering from Hurricane Katrina. I just want you to
    know that Americans take comfort in knowing that we're not alone. I
    can't thank you enough for the outpouring of international support for
    our brothers and sisters who hurt. This international good will and
    outpouring of support reminds us there is no challenge we cannot
    overcome when the nations of the world unite in common.
        That was the vision of the founders of the United Nations six
    decades ago. Our challenge is to extend this vision into the 21st
    century, and we need a strong United Nations to do so. The United States
    appreciates the commitment of Secretary-General Annan and the General
    Assembly and members of member states to reform the U.N. We have made a
    solid start. More work remains.

        Our ongoing efforts together will be crucial to enable the United
    Nations to fulfill the promises made 60 years ago.

        Mr. Secretary-General, on this important anniversary I offer a toast
    to you and to the United Nations: May the U.N. embody the high ideals of
    its founding in the years to come.

    [[Page 1436]]

    Note: The President spoke at 1:39 p.m. in the North Delegates Lounge at
    the United Nations Headquarters. In his remarks, he referred to Jan
    Eliasson, President of the 60th Session of the United Nations General
    Assembly.