    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [December 13, 2007]
    [Pages 1542-1544]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With President Umaru Yar'Adua of Nigeria
    December 13, 2007

        President Bush. Mr. President, it's been my honor to welcome you
    here to the White House. Now, we've just had a very extensive and
    fruitful discussion on a variety of issues, and that's what you'd expect
    when friends meet together.
        I--the President is committed to democracy and rule of law. He was
    very articulate in his desire to make sure that the people of Nigeria
    understand that their Government will be fair and transparent and will
    be a government of the people. Mr. President, I am impressed by your
    commitment to reform, your adherence to the concept that rule of law,
    and your belief in transparency. And I congratulate you for being a
    strong leader.
        We also talked about social justice issues, the issue of education.
    The President is committed to seeing to it that compulsory education is
    followed through on in this country, throughout the country, and I
    admire that. And we want to help you. The United States has got a
    program that is

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    dedicated to making sure every child gets a good education. It's in our
    national interests that that be the case.
        It's also in our national interests, Mr. President, to help you, if
    you so desire, on issues like HIV/AIDS and malaria. The President is
    strongly committed to helping the Nigerian families affected by these
    diseases get treatment and help. He understands that there needs to be a
    comprehensive program of prevention, distribution of antiretrovirals,
    and then a capacity to help the orphans who have been left behind as a
    result of this terrible disease. And we're committed through what we
    call PEPFAR, Mr. President. I'm going to the United States Congress and
    ask them to double our commitment because we believe it's in our
    interests to help you if you so desire. It's in our interests from a
    security perspective; it's in our interests from a moral perspective.
        And so we've got a good visit. I'm proud you're here, and I welcome
    you and thank you for your time and for your heart.
        President Yar'Adua. Thank you very much, Mr. President. I feel
    highly honored and privileged to be here and have the opportunity to
    share these few moments with you. These are moments that I'll never
    forget in my life.
        I have briefed Mr. President on the situation in Nigeria, our
    efforts to anchor democracy on the rule of law, to help a credible
    electoral process, and to ensure that the principles of justice, equity
    will guide the conduct of affairs in Nigeria: transparency,
    accountability, and the fight against corruption. And Mr. President has
    expressed the support of himself and the Government of the United States
    and the people of the United States to assist Nigeria to ensure that we
    continue to uphold--[inaudible]--democracy, the rule of law, zero
    tolerance for corruption, and the development of a free market economy
    through economic reforms that we have been effecting for the last 8
    years.
        Now, this will set the principles upon which we'll build and develop
    a free society capable of growing an economy that will cater for the
    development and needs of the people of Nigeria. And in this great effort
    we are making, we find great friendship and assistance from the
    Government and people of the United States. And we are very grateful for
    this expression of support, confidence, and trust.
        We have discussed a wide range of issues beside democracy and the
    rule of law; we have--and the economic reforms. We have discussed about
    the problems of HIV/AIDS, the problem of malaria, challenges in
    education. And the United States Government will help us to meet these
    challenges as we go along. And I think this is an excellent humanitarian
    gesture for which I, personally, and the people and Government of
    Nigeria are extremely grateful.
        We have discussed one--security issues and the security within
    Nigeria itself, within the Niger Delta region, and within the Gulf of
    Guinea. And we have also discussed security issues--peace and security
    on the African Continent. And we shall partner with--[inaudible]--to
    assist not only Nigeria but also the African Continent, to actualize its
    peace and security at its initiative, which is an initiative to help
    standby forces of brigade size in each of the regional economic
    groupings within the African Continent.
        I think what we have discussed has given me hope. And myself, the
    Government, and people of Nigeria are inspired by the United States of
    America's achievement and the principles which guide it. And this is a
    posit we are trading, and the friendship and understanding of the United
    States will propel Nigeria with this inspiration to make the
    transformations that we need to do into a modern nation from an
    underdeveloped nation, capable of meeting the development and needs of
    its people.
        I thank you very much, Mr. President. This is a rare opportunity.

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        President Bush. Thank you, sir. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:50 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House.