    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [May 7, 2007]
    [Pages 544-545]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a State Dinner Honoring Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
    May 7, 2007

        President Bush. Your Majesty and Your Royal Highness, distinguished guests: Laura and
    I offer you a warm welcome to the White House. We are really glad you're
    here.
        Tonight is the fourth state dinner held in Your Majesty's honor here
    at the White House. On previous such occasions, you've been welcomed by
    President Eisenhower, President Ford, and another President named Bush. [Laughter] Over your long reign, America and
    Britain have deepened our friendship and strengthened our alliance.
        Our alliance is rooted in the beliefs that we share. We recognize
    that every individual has dignity and matchless value. We believe that
    the most effective governments are those that hold themselves
    accountable to their people. And we know that the advance of freedom is
    the best hope for lasting peace in our world.
        Based on our common values, our two nations are working together for
    the common good. Together, we are supporting young democracies in Iraq
    and Afghanistan. Together, we're confronting global challenges such as
    poverty and disease and terrorism. And together, we're working to build
    a world in which more people can enjoy prosperity and security and
    peace.
        Friendships remain strong when they are continually renewed, and the
    American people appreciate Your Majesty's commitment to our friendship.
    We thank you for helping us celebrate the 400th anniversary of the
    Jamestown settlement. We're confident that Anglo-American friendship
    will endure for centuries to come.
        So, on behalf of the American people, I offer a toast to Your
    Majesty, to Your Royal Highness, and to our
    staunch allies, the valiant people of the United Kingdom.
        Queen Elizabeth II. Thank you very much, indeed.
        President Bush. Your turn, Your Majesty.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:10 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Prince Philip, the Duke of
    Edinburgh. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary
    also included the remarks of Queen Elizabeth II.

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