    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [February 27, 2007]
    [Pages 200-202]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Swearing-In Ceremony for John D. Negroponte as Deputy Secretary of State
    February 27, 2007

        Thank you, Madam Secretary. Madam
    Secretary, thanks for the introduction. Thanks for the really fine job
    you're doing.
        I'm pleased to be with you today, and I'm really honored to stand
    with a personal friend and a man I admire a lot, the new Deputy
    Secretary of State, John Negroponte.
        I, too, welcome John's family--all five of them here, as well as his
    wife Diana. I appreciate all his friends
    who have shown up. Thanks for coming to pay honor to this good man.
        American diplomacy is really critical to ensuring the safety and the
    security of our citizens. Terrorist enemies follow an ideology of hatred
    and death. In the long run, the only way to defeat them is to offer a
    vision that is hopeful and positive and optimistic. Spreading that
    vision requires strong leadership here at the State Department, and John
    Negroponte has the talent and the experience our Nation needs in

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    a Deputy Secretary of State. He's going to do a superb job for the
    American people.
        I appreciate very much Congresswoman Jane Harman for joining us. It's a great tribute to a good man. I
    appreciate the former Deputy Secretary of State, Rich
    Armitage, for being here. I'm honored
    that other members of my administration have come. I want to thank the
    members of the diplomatic corps. I'm proud to see you all here. Thanks
    for coming, distinguished guests, the folks who serve our Nation here at
    the State Department.
        As the Deputy Secretary of State, John Negroponte is going to play a
    key role, an important role, in shaping our foreign policy. He's going
    to help guide diplomats deployed around the globe. He will act as the
    chief operating officer of the State Department. He will work with
    Secretary Rice and the leaders of other
    Federal Agencies to ensure that America speaks with one voice.
        John is uniquely qualified. As America's first Director of National
    Intelligence, John took on one of the most demanding assignments in
    Government. His work was to ensure that all our intelligence agencies
    function as a single, unified enterprise. He handled this vital task
    with skill and determination. His leadership of the intelligence
    community improved our ability to collect, analyze, and share
    intelligence. His vigilance has helped keep the American people safe
    from harm.
        One of my regrets is that, in him coming back to the State
    Department, is, he won't be in the Oval Office every morning to share
    his wisdom with me. And he has plenty of wisdom to share. I strongly
    urge the young Foreign Service officers to get on his calendar so he can
    explain to you how best to do your job. [Laughter] I did the same thing.
    [Laughter]
        As he moves over to the State Department, he knows this building
    really well. As Condi mentioned, he became
    a Foreign Service officer in the administration of Ike. Like, some of
    you weren't even born then. [Laughter] Diana and I were barely born then. [Laughter]
        Over the course of more than four decades, he's held eight Foreign
    Service posts, three different continents. He served as the Deputy
    National Security Adviser to President Ronald Reagan. He represented
    America at the United Nations during my administration. He was our first
    Ambassador to a free Iraq. In these and other posts, he has shown
    diplomatic skill and devotion to our country. He really has set a great
    example for the people who work here.
        Over the past 6 years, I know him to be a man of vision and
    character. He understands the importance of fighting the extremists with
    all elements of national power. He is a good negotiator. It doesn't hurt
    that he can play a mean game of poker. [Laughter] As one of our
    Nation's--as our Nation's second-ranking diplomat, he's going to be a
    strong and confident advocate for our interests and, equally
    importantly, our ideals around the world.
        John is going to build upon the work done by his predecessor, Bob
    Zoellick. Bob helped lead the State
    Department during a challenging time for our Nation. He upheld the high
    standards and the proud tradition of this Department. I appreciate his
    dedicated service.
        As John takes up his duties, he's going to benefit from the talent
    and professionalism of the men and women in our foreign and civil
    service, folks who serve in this building and in our Embassies around
    the world. The work done here and the work done abroad helps sustain
    America's position; it fosters freedom and helps advance the cause of
    peace.
        I want to thank you for your willingness to serve our country. I
    appreciate the sacrifices you make on behalf of the American people.
        You're going to have a fine leader in John Negroponte. One thing is
    for certain: He knows we live in challenging times; we

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    live in dangerous times. He also knows that this is a moment of great
    hope and opportunity. John's broad experience and sound judgment and
    unquestioned integrity will make him an outstanding Deputy Secretary of
    State.
        And so, John, I thank you once again for agreeing to serve our
    Nation. Congratulations.
        And now Secretary Rice will administer
    the oath.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:27 a.m. at the U.S. Department of State.
    In his remarks, he referred to former Deputy Secretary of State Robert
    B. Zoellick. The transcript released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary also included the remarks of Deputy Secretary Negroponte.