    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [March 4, 2006]
    [Page 404]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With Members of the Community in Islamabad
    March 4, 2006

        Secretary Rice and Ambassador
    Crocker and I want to thank members from the
    civil society and Members of Parliament for joining us. My trip to
    Pakistan is a really important trip. Pakistan is a strategic partner and
    a friend of the United States.
        I want to thank those of you who have come to share with me and the
    Secretary and the Ambassador your thoughts about how the United States can better work
    with the people of Pakistan.
        One of the signs of a modern society is the empowerment of women.
    And I want to thank the women who have joined us here today to share
    your thoughts. And we've got the head of a bank; we've got a Member of
    Parliament; we've got educators, heads of NGOs, businesspeople, that are
    all here to help us better understand the Pakistan society and how we
    can better interrelate.
        Part of becoming closer friends is to listen, listen to concerns and
    to share our thoughts on common values. So we really want to thank you
    for being here. And thank you for your gracious hospitality to your
    country.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:25 p.m. at the U.S. Embassy.