    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [April 5, 2008]
    [Pages 467-468]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With Prime Minister Ivo Sanader of Croatia in Zagreb
    April 5, 2008

    [Prime Minister Sanader spoke in Croatian, and no translation was
    provided.]

        President Bush. Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. It's really good to
    be with you again. I remember very fondly our visit to the Oval Office.

    [The interpreter began to translate President Bush's remarks.]

        Prime Minister Sanader. No, there is no need.
        President Bush. Even though you did a brilliant job. [Laughter]
        Prime Minister Sanader. They understand; they understand.
        President Bush. I understand. But anyway, I--you suggested I come to
    your country then, and I'm really glad we came. Thanks. It's good news.
    And the fact that Croatia has been invited to join NATO is a historic
    moment. And I hope the people of your country are as proud as I am to be
    here to welcome you into NATO.
        The--my only regret is I didn't get to see the coast. But I suspect
    when more Americans learn of the beauty of your coast, they'll want to
    come. And that's why the Open Skies agreement that we negotiated is
    going to be important to open up travel and trade. We will take you up
    on your request to have a trade mission come. I appreciate the fact that
    you have an open government, an honest government, a transparent
    government, which will help attract foreign capital--well-educated,
    hard-working people that will help attract foreign capital as well.
        We talked about the neighborhood, and I appreciate the Prime
    Minister's advice and counsel on how the United States can help continue
    to promote stability and freedom. And I want to thank you very much for
    that.
        We talked about an issue that I know is on the minds of the people
    of Croatia, and that is the visa waiver policy. I fully understand, Mr.
    Prime Minister, that some in your country wonder why our visa waiver
    policy is for you--different for you than it is for other people,
    perhaps, in Europe. After all, you've--you're sacrificing in Afghanistan
    alongside U.S. troops. And they wonder why they can't go see their
    relatives in America in an easier way.
        I think they should be able to. Congress has passed a law that we
    now must live with. And we'll work with your Government to facilitate
    the new law in such a way, hopefully, that people will be able to
    realize their dreams of going to America to see relatives and loved
    ones. There's a lot of people in America that have fond memories in--of
    their homeland, and they want to be able to see their relatives in an
    easier fashion.
        So we'll work government to government to meet our laws and, at the
    same time, hopefully, facilitate travel. I don't want to create false
    expectations. On the other hand, people should know that we have
    committed to working to see to it that the policy is implemented in a
    way that, hopefully, will ease travel quickly.
        All in all, it's been an honor to be with you. I'm so grateful for
    your Government and for the people of your country for welcoming me and
    Laura. And I look forward to future visits.
        Thank you.
        Prime Minister Sanader. Thank you, sir. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:31 a.m. at the Banski Dvori.

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