    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [October 17, 2006]
    [Pages 1861-1862]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following Discussions With Prime Minister Ivo Sanader of Croatia
    October 17, 2006

        President Bush. It's been my honor to welcome the Prime Minister of
    Croatia here. Mr. Prime Minister, welcome.
        Prime Minister Sanader. Thank you very much.
        President Bush. We just had a very lengthy and interesting
    discussion, which is what you would expect friends to do. I consider the
    Prime Minister a friend; I consider Croatia a friend as well.
        We talked about foreign policy issues, issues of peace. I thank the
    people of Croatia for their support in Afghanistan of the young
    democracy. I also believe it's in the

    [[Page 1862]]

    world's interest that Croatia join NATO as well as the European Union.
    And to that end, when I go to Riga, I will make the case that Croatia
    should be admitted. It seems like a reasonable date would be 2008.
        We talked about bilateral relations. We talked about investments,
    investment opportunities in Croatia. We talked about the need to enhance
    trade and commerce. The Prime Minister has invited me to come. I've
    heard unbelievably great things about your country, Mr. Prime Minister.
    I hear it's one of the most beautiful places on the face of the Earth.
    I'd love to come sometime. I've got to clear it first with my
    wife. [Laughter]
        But nevertheless, all in all, it's been a very good meeting. And I
    welcome you here, and thank you for coming.
        Prime Minister Sanader. Thank you, Mr. President. I've been touched
    by the warmth of this reception during this visit and of the interest
    and understanding you have shown in Croatia and the challenges facing
    Europe today.
        About the only question we disagreed was whether Croatia or the
    United States had the most beautiful coastline.
        President Bush. That's right. [Laughter]
        Prime Minister Sanader. I will let you and Mrs. Bush judge for
    yourselves when you visit Croatia, where you certainly will be most
    welcome, Mr. President.
        The President and I, we discussed a range of issues of bilateral
    concerns, especially of the preparations of my country to join EU and
    NATO. And I expressed my gratitude to the President for his constant
    support for Croatia on its way.
        I also--we discussed a range of issues of--regarding our region of
    southeastern Europe: final status of Kosovo; Georgia; Ukraine; Moldova.
    We are very active. Croatia is not forgetting that we are in the region
    where we still need a strong U.S. and European cooperation. We believe
    strongly in transatlantic partnership. There is no alternative to this.
    I think that President Bush and the United States of America, along with
    the EU, have still to be very, very closely cooperating in a couple of
    issues in Europe.
        So thank you very much, Mr. President, for warm reception and very
    fruitful discussion.
        President Bush. Thank you, sir. I appreciate it. Good job. Thank
    you.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:16 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House.