    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [May 14, 2008]
    [Pages 678-679]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Welcoming Ceremony in Tel Aviv, Israel
    May 14, 2008

        Mr. President and Mr. Prime
    Minister, Mrs. Olmert,
    thank you very much for your warm welcome. It's good to be back again.
    We're proud to reaffirm the friendship of our peoples, and we're
    delighted to join you in celebrating the 60th anniversary of the State
    of Israel.
        Our two nations both faced great challenges when they were founded,
    and our two nations have both relied on the same principles to help us
    succeed. We've built strong democracies to protect the freedoms given to
    us by an Almighty God. We've welcomed immigrants who've helped us
    thrive. We've built prosperous economies by rewarding innovation and
    risk-taking and trade. And we've built an enduring alliance to confront
    terrorists and tyrants.
        Americans and Israelis can be proud of our past, and the best way to
    honor our founders is to continue the work they started. Tomorrow I'm
    going to address the members of the Knesset and the people of Israel. I
    look forward to discussing how I believe our two nations can continue to
    advance our ideals and approach our next 60 years of partnership with
    confidence and with hope.
        Laura and I appreciate your invitation, your
    kind invitation to share these days of celebration with you. We consider
    the Holy Land a very special place, and we consider the Israeli people
    our close friends.
        Shalom.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:32 a.m. at Ben Gurion International
    Airport. In his remarks, he referred to President Shimon Peres and Prime
    Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel; and Aliza Olmert, wife of Prime Minister
    Olmert. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary
    also included the remarks of President Peres and Prime Minister Olmert.

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