[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
[November 10, 2005]
[Pages 1695-1696]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks Prior to Discussions With President Ali Abdallah Salih of Yemen
November 10, 2005

    President Bush. Mr. President, welcome. I'm looking forward to our 
discussion. I'm looking forward to our continued work together to make 
sure that Al Qaida and people affiliated with Al Qaida are brought to 
justice.
    Today the world saw with horror the attacks on innocent people in 
Jordan by killers who defile a great religion. I spoke to King 
Abdullah. I expressed our Nation's deep 
concern and compassion for those who lost their lives and their 
families. The bombings should remind all of us that there is an enemy in 
this world that is willing to kill innocent people, willing to bomb a 
wedding celebration, in order to advance their cause. And for those of 
us who love freedom and for those of us who love--who respect every 
human life, no matter whether you're from the West or from your 
neighborhood, Mr. President, we have an obligation and a duty to remain 
strong, remain firm, and to bring these people to justice.
    And so, Mr. President, welcome.
    President Salih. Thank you, Mr. President. I am delighted to have 
this friend, George Bush. This is probably the third meeting that we 
have together. And we discuss a variety of mutual issues, and our mutual 
objective here is the declaration of war against terrorism and 
extremism. We have seen it during 9/11 and after. I am here to reaffirm 
Yemen's position that it is clear and firm--our resolve is firm--to 
continue to work with the United States

[[Page 1696]]

and the international community in combating terror.
    Since yesterday, I had the opportunity to have a variety of meetings 
with members of your administration. I am delighted to have the 
opportunity to see you and meet with you today, Mr. President. We will 
have a variety of issues that we will discuss, bilateral issues, as well 
as issues of interest to both the international community and world 
peace and stability.
    I thank you very much for your hospitality and for receiving me.
    President Bush. Thank you, sir.

Note: The President spoke at 11:28 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to King Abdullah II of Jordan. 
President Salih spoke in Arabic, and his remarks were translated by an 
interpreter.