    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [March 30, 2006]
    [Pages 619-620]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Tour of the Chichen-Itza Archaeological Ruins With
    President Vicente Fox Quesada of Mexico and
    Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada in
    Chichen-Itza, Mexico
    March 30, 2006

    [At this point, President Fox spoke in Spanish, and no translation was
    provided.]

        President Bush. Mr. President, thank you very much for your
    hospitality. This is a good start to a very important series of
    discussions. It is an honor to be here with the Prime Minister of Canada
    as well. We've got vital relations that will matter to the future of our
    people. And I look forward to the discussions.
        And I want to thank you for letting us begin our very important
    meetings at this very significant historical site. And I congratulate
    our guide, and I want to thank those who have
    worked hard to make sure this important part of history is accessible
    and is available for people to understand the past, so we can better
    understand the future.
        So, Mr. President, thank you for having us.

    [[Page 620]]

    [Prime Minister Harper spoke in French, and no translation was provided.
    He then continued in English.]

        Prime Minister Harper. And I can repeat the same thing quickly, if
    you don't mind. Forgive us; that's how we speak Spanish in the north.
    [Laughter] Wonderful to be here. Thank you for the welcome, President
    Fox. I think we stand here in a historic site, a symbol here of our
    determination to build a new future for all inhabitants of North
    America. And I am honored to be with President Bush and President Fox
    and look forward to our discussions.
        President Bush. Gracias, senor.
        President Fox. Bienvenidos.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:15 a.m.