    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [June 22, 2007]
    [Pages 793-794]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following Discussions With President Nguyen Minh Triet of Vietnam
    June 22, 2007

        President Bush. Mr. President, thank you for coming. Laura and I remember very fondly our trip to your beautiful
    country. And I remember so very well the warm reception that we received
    from your Government and the people of Vietnam.
        I explained to the President, we want to have good relations with
    Vietnam. And we've got good economic relations. We signed a Trade and
    Investment Framework Agreement. And I was impressed by the growing
    Vietnamese economy.
        I also made it very clear that in order for relations to grow deeper
    that it's important for our friends to have a strong commitment to human
    rights and freedom and democracy. I explained my strong belief that
    societies are enriched when people are allowed to express themselves
    freely or worship freely.
        I thanked the President for his continued cooperation on the issue
    of POWs and MIAs. I saw firsthand that cooperation when I was in
    Vietnam. We are now extending our search to missing remains in some of
    the coastal regions of Vietnam.
        I also told the President that Congress recently passed
    appropriations measures to help with dioxin, or Agent Orange. And it's
    helped the people of his country. And, as well, we're firmly committed
    to helping Vietnam in the battle against HIV/AIDS.
        And so we welcome you, Mr. President. And thank you for the frank
    and candid discussion.
        President Triet. Upon the kind invitation extended to me by
    President Bush, I have decided to make this official visit to the United
    States. And I would like to thank Mr. President for your warm and kind
    hospitality. And also, to you, I would like to extend my thanks to the
    American people for their warm hospitality.
        Over the last couple of days, I have had the fortunate opportunity
    to meet with a large number of American people and American businesses.
    And everywhere I went and anywhere I met, I always--I was always
    extended good hospitality and cooperation.
        It's very impressive that yesterday I had a chance to visit a farmer
    who raised grapes. And the life is very happy, and they have a warmth of
    feelings toward Vietnam. And the owner had to hug me several times,
    hesitating to say good bye to us, and that demonstrates the desire for
    friendship between our two peoples.
        And the--President Bush and I have had productive and constructive
    discussions. And both sides agree that our bilateral relationship has
    continued to develop. Especially since Mr. President's last visit to
    Vietnam, our relations have witnessed a new, fine development. On the
    economic front,

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    our cooperation has been intensified. In addition to that, our
    cooperation has also intensified in other areas such as humanitarian
    cooperation, science, technology, education, and training.
        And I sincerely thank the U.S. Government and people for your aid to
    HIV and AIDS patients. And we highly appreciate the Congress
    appropriations of--for dioxin and Agent Orange victims. And I believe
    that the increased and good relationship between our two country would
    benefit not only our two countries but also constitute a constructive
    factor for safeguarding peace and stability in our region.
        And we have also discussed on specific measures of how to advance
    further our relations in a wide range of areas, be it political,
    economic, trade, investment, education, or training, humanitarian, et
    cetera. And in short, our relations are broadened, deepened on a
    sustainable and effective--in a sustainable and effective manner. And as
    Mr. President has mentioned, both sides have just signed a Trade
    Investment Framework Agreement, TIFA, and many other high-value economic
    agreements and contracts.
        And Mr. President and I also had direct and open exchange of views
    on a matter that we remain different, especially on matters related to
    religion and human rights. And our approach is that we would increase
    our dialog in order to have a better understanding of each other. And we
    are also determined not to let those differences afflict our overall,
    larger interest.
        And I also would like to take this opportunity to send a message to
    American people, particularly the good feelings from Vietnamese people
    to American people. I would like to tell you that Vietnam nowadays is a
    stable, peaceful, and friendly country. And Vietnamese people want to
    have a good consolidarity and friendship with American people. And so if
    both peoples--both want peace, friendship, and solidarity, then we
    should join hands and march toward the future.
        And on this occasion, I also would like to extend my warmest
    greetings to my fellow man living in the United States. And Vietnamese
    Americans are part and parcel of the Vietnamese nation. And it is my
    desire to see them succeed, and hope they will continue to serve as a
    bridge of friendship between our two countries.
        And so, once again, I would like to thank Mr. President and the U.S.
    Government and American people for your warm hospitality.
        President Bush. Thank you, sir. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:50 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. President Triet spoke in Vietnamese, and his remarks were
    translated by an interpreter.