    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [July 10, 2006]
    [Pages 1356-1357]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following Discussions With Prime Minister Janez Jansa of Slovenia
    July 10, 2006

        President Bush. Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for coming. It's been
    a really fascinating discussion we've had. First, I want to thank you
    for your friendship. I thank you for your leadership. I really
    appreciate the fact that you have made the courageous decision to help
    two young democracies, Afghanistan and Iraq, succeed. Your contributions
    in Afghanistan and Iraq will make a difference in achieving peace. And
    so thank you for that very much.
        I really appreciate your briefing on your neighborhood. The Prime
    Minister is a man who has got clear vision. He understands how to
    explain problems in a way that will help yield results. And so the fact
    that you talked about the Balkans in such clear fashion will help us
    work with you to achieve certain objectives. I want to thank you for
    that.
        I fondly remember my visit to your beautiful country. It was a
    spectacular visit. I came back to the States, and I told people

    [[Page 1357]]

    that if you really want to see an interesting slice of heaven, go to
    Slovenia. It's got a country that's got a lot to it. But the most
    important thing, it's got wonderful people. And I look forward to
    working with you, Mr. Prime Minister. I'm confident that by working
    together, we can improve the lives of our respective peoples as well as
    improve the lives of those who are struggling against forms of
    government that won't allow them to have free expression, won't allow
    them to self-govern.
        And so welcome to the White House, and thank you for our wonderful
    meeting.
        Prime Minister Jansa. Esteemed Mr. President, thank you very much
    for inviting me and my delegation to the White House. We still remember
    your visit in Slovenia, and we hope to continue with good cooperation in
    the future.
        I found very useful your information regarding the development of
    events in the region of Western Balkans. I'm glad we share the same
    views regarding the prospectus of--in Western Balkans regarding the
    security and also the NATO. In spite of the fact that Slovenia is a
    small country, it completed its allotment of troops in the NATO
    operations.
        Based on the fact that we got a lot of help during our entering the
    NATO--and European Union, we got a lot of help--we feel that now it's
    our obligation that we help others to do the same. As I mentioned
    before, Slovenia will be presiding the European Union in 2008, during
    which time there will be a summit between the European Union countries
    and the United States. We would be very happy if we could welcome you
    then in Slovenia.
        President Bush. Thanks for coming. Appreciate it very much. Thank
    you.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:51 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. Prime Minister Jansa spoke in Slovenian, and his remarks were
    translated by an interpreter.