    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [March 11, 2007]
    [Page 281]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Luncheon Hosted By President Alvaro Uribe Velez of Colombia in Bogota, Colombia
    March 11, 2007

        Mr. President, thank you very much. I appreciate your hospitality. I
    am amazed by the beauty of your country. I've never been here to the
    beautiful capital city of your country, but Laura
    and I were struck by two things: the beauty of the landscape and the
    warmness of the people.
        We--I bring greetings from the United States to the people of your
    country. We have been friends, and we shall remain friends. We value
    your democracy. I appreciate your strong leadership. We come during a
    period where your country has come through very difficult times, and now
    there's a brighter day ahead. And my message to the people of your
    country is, we want to help every individual realize their God-given
    potential.
        I'd like to propose a toast to the people of this country and to the
    leadership of this country. Que Dios les bendiga.

    Note: The President spoke at 3 p.m. at Casa de Narino. The transcript
    released by the Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks
    of President Uribe. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a
    Spanish language transcript of these remarks.