    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [November 17, 2006]
    [Pages 2099-2100]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a State Banquet Hosted by President Nguyen Minh Triet of Vietnam in Hanoi
    November 17, 2006

        Mr. President and Madam Chi, the reason
    I'm smiling is because I'm really happy to be here, and so is
    Laura. And we thank you for your warm
    hospitality. First, I want to congratulate you for your success on
    hosting APEC. I'm confident our fellow leaders will have the same sense
    of gratitude and respect that we feel from the Vietnamese people.
         Vietnam is a remarkable country. For decades, you had been torn
    apart by war. Today, the Vietnamese people are at peace and seeing the
    benefits of reform. The Vietnamese own their own businesses, and today,
    the Vietnamese economy is the fastest growing in Southeast Asia.
    Vietnamese students have great opportunities here at home and abroad.
    The Vietnamese people are traveling around the world and sharing this
    ancient culture with peoples of the world. And the United States, as
    well as other APEC partners, look forward to strengthening our ties.
         The American people welcome the progress of Vietnam. And we want to
    continue to work together to better our relations. We will work with you
    to help combat avian flu and HIV/AIDS. We have signed agreements to
    protect religious freedom. We strongly support Vietnam in the World
    Trade Organization.
         Vietnam is a country that's taking its rightful place as a strong
    and vibrant nation. Mr. President, your leadership is helping your
    country succeed. I can see it as I drive on the streets; the people of
    your country have hope. And I hope they know, as a result of my visit,
    they have the friendship of the American people.
         And so, Mr. President, I would like to propose a toast to you and
    Madam Chi and to the fine people of
    Vietnam.

    Note: The President spoke at approximately 7:15 p.m. at the
    International Convention Center. In his remarks, he referred to Tran Thi
    Kim Chi, wife of President Triet.

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