    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [September 7, 2007]
    [Page 1183]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Luncheon With Southeast Asian Leaders in Sydney
    September 7, 2007

        President Bush. Mr. Prime Minister, thank
    you very much for inviting me to join the ASEAN group. ASEAN represents
    our fourth largest trading partner. In other words, this is a group of
    friends that represent more than just social acquaintances; you
    represent commerce and trade and prosperity. And I want to thank you
    very much for giving me the chance to come and talk to you about our
    common interests and common goals.
        I have invited the ASEAN leaders to Texas at their convenience. I'm
    looking forward to hosting you down there. I'm looking forward to
    continuing our constructive conversation on--whether it be democracy or
    fighting terror or expanding trade or avian flu or climate change.
        I also am pleased to announce that we'll be naming an Ambassador to
    ASEAN, so that we can make sure that the ties we've established over the
    past years remain firmly entrenched.
        So I appreciate your hospitality. It's good to be amongst friends. I
    enjoyed our candid conversation, and I thank you for your leadership in
    this important part of the world.
        Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore. Thank you. Thank you
    very much.
        President Bush. You bet. Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:49 p.m. at the InterContinental Sydney.