    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [November 18, 2006]
    [Pages 2100-2101]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Lunch With Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan in Hanoi
    November 18, 2006

         President Bush. Mr. Prime Minister, thank you very much for your
    time. We just had a very frank and full discussion. I admire the Prime
    Minister's intellect. I'm very comfortable with his style, and I'm very
    confident we'll be able to work together for the common good.
         The relationship between Japan and the United States is strong, and
    we will keep it that way. And a strong relationship between our two
    countries is good for the security of the East. We talked a lot of
    issues. And we spent time talking about North Korea and our common
    commitment

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    to see that the six-party talks succeed. We spent a lot of time talking
    about bilateral issues. And one of the most interesting issues we
    discussed was our common desire to continue to cooperate on a ballistic
    missile defense.
         I told the Prime Minister he needs to get over to the United States
    quickly. I'm looking forward to hosting you. And thank you for your
    time.
         Prime Minister Abe. I was able to spend a very meaningful and
    wonderful time with the President today. So thank you very much, Mr.
    President.
         Japan and U.S. share an alliance which is based on fundamental
    values, such as freedom, democracy, basic human rights, and the rule of
    law. And we agreed with each other that strengthening our alliance would
    be a good in maintaining peace and security of not just Japan and the
    region surrounding Japan but the entire world.
         Also concerning North Korea, as the President mentioned, we agreed
    that we would take a coordinated approach to reach a final resolution of
    the issue and also to achieve some concrete results at an early stage.
    We also agreed to strengthen and accelerate our cooperation concerning
    ballistic missile defense, and we will instruct our foreign ministers
    and defense ministers to conduct consideration concerning this matter.
         We are faced with many difficult issues, like North Korea, the
    fight against terror, and also Iraq. But we agreed that we will be
    utilizing the alliance we have between Japan and the United States for
    the good of the world and the region for a long time.
         And I'm looking forward to visiting the United States sometime next
    year and seeing the President. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:47 p.m. at the Sheraton Hanoi. Prime
    Minister Abe spoke in Japanese, and his remarks were translated by an
    interpreter.