    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [September 27, 2006]
    [Pages 1709-1710]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan and President Pervez
    Musharraf of Pakistan
    September 27, 2006

        President Bush. Tonight it's my honor to host a dinner with
    President Musharraf of Pakistan and President Karzai of Afghanistan.
    These two men are personal friends of mine; they are strong leaders who
    have a understanding of the world in which we live; they understand that
    the forces of moderation are being challenged by extremists and
    radicals. And we're working closely together to help improve the lives
    of the people in Afghanistan and the people in Pakistan.
        President Musharraf kindly greeted me to Pakistan. I had the great
    privilege of meeting many in his Government. I met people in the civil
    society there. I met those who were helping the Pakistan citizens who
    were--whose lives were turned upside down by the devastating earthquake.
    I saw the compassion of this Government, and I was very proud that the
    American people were helping them recover.
        I also had the opportunity to visit President Karzai. He's leading a
    young democracy. It's a democracy that was formed as a result of the
    Afghan people voting, having shed itself, with American help, from the
    Taliban regime.
        We've got a lot of challenges facing us. All of us must protect our
    countries, but at the same time, we all must work to make the world a
    more hopeful place. And so today's dinner is a chance for us to
    strategize together, to talk about the need to cooperate, to make sure
    that people have got a hopeful future.
        It's very important for the people in Pakistan and Afghanistan to
    understand that America respects religion, and we respect the right for
    people to worship the way they see fit. We welcome Muslim leaders here
    in the White House. I look forward to having dinner with friends of mine
    who don't happen to share the same faith I do, but nevertheless share
    the same outlook for a hopeful world.
        As we work for a more hopeful world, we will continue to make sure
    that extremists, such as Usama bin Laden,
    that wants to hurt my friend here as well as upset the democracy in
    Afghanistan is brought to justice. The main thing I was looking forward
    to talking about is how the United States Government and the people of
    the United States can help these two countries provide a foundation for
    hope. And so I want to thank you for coming. We're proud to have you
    here, Mr. President.
        President Musharraf. My pleasure.
        President Bush. Proud to have you here, Mr. President. Let's go eat
    dinner. Thank you, sir.
        President Musharraf. Thank you very much.
        President Karzai. Thanks very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 7:35 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Usama bin Laden, leader of the Al
    Qaida terrorist organization.

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