    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [January 16, 2008]
    [Pages 91-93]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With President Mohamed Hosni
    Mubarak of Egypt in Sharm el-Sheikh,
    Egypt
    January 16, 2008

        President Mubarak. I'd like to welcome President Bush here in Egypt
    and, particularly, in Sharm el-Sheikh City. It is the City of Peace.
        We briefed Mr. Bush--he briefed us on the outcome of his visits in
    the region, and we held very important consultations, which dealt with
    the security situation now and bilateral and mutual efforts for the sake
    of peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.
        I emphasized through our consultations the Egyptian situation,
    underscoring and supporting peace and our aspirations that Mr. Bush
    follows up the negotiations between both the Israeli and Palestinian
    sides, and I also said that I wish to reach a peace agreement before the
    end of his term. I emphasized that the Palestinian question, of course,
    is the core of problems and conflict in the Middle East, and it is the
    entry to contain the crises and tension in the region and the best means
    to face what's going on in the world and our region; I mean by that, the
    escalation of violence, extremism, and terrorism.
        I also underscored the strategic importance we focus on here in
    Egypt: that the Gulf, its peoples--sisterly peoples and states--they are
    part and parcel of the national security of Egypt, the security of the
    Middle East, and the world. The Egyptian-American relations actually
    have been very important, and this importance has been getting more
    important. And this importance addressed the interests of both people in
    all the region and issues in the Middle East.
        Our consultations today showed that we believe and understand the
    mutual interests of both sides in continuing our dialogue and
    consultations--and I mean by that, strategic consultations--for the sake
    of the peace, security, and stability of the Middle East and the
    development of its states and the prosperity of its people. I also
    emphasized that we need to--we are keen on supporting peace efforts;
    that we're ready, hand in hand with the United States of America and the
    Quartet and all other regional and international stakeholders and
    parties, for the sake of comprehensive and just peace, to put an end to
    this Israeli-Palestinian conflict and, finally, to open new horizons for
    the Middle East, for a more peaceful and security future, to have more
    justice and security in the region.
        I reiterate our welcome words for Mr. Bush, and I hope that his
    efforts for the sake of peace would reach a success. And now I'll give
    you the floor, sir.
        President Bush. Mr. President, thank you, sir. It's a pleasure to be
    back in Egypt. This is such a beautiful site, Mr. President. Thank you
    for hosting my visit here. As you mentioned, I've been on a long trip,
    and I can't think of a better place to end it than right here with you
    in this beautiful setting.
        President Mubarak. But needs much more days.
        President Bush. Yes. He wants me back, okay. [Laughter] He's
    extended an invitation, and thank you for that, sir.
        It's an important stop for me because the United States has a
    longstanding friendship with Egypt. It's important for the people of
    Egypt to understand, our Nation respects you, respects your history,
    respects your traditions, and respects your culture. Our friendship is
    strong. It's a cornerstone of--one of the main cornerstones of our
    policy in this region, and it's based on our shared commitment to peace,
    security, and prosperity.
        I appreciate the opportunity, Mr. President, to give you an update
    on my trip. And I appreciate the advice you've given

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    me. You've seen a lot in your years as President. You've got a great
    deal of experience, and I appreciate your feeling comfortable in sharing
    that experience once again with me.
        I really appreciate Egypt's support in the war on terror. I
    appreciate the fact that you've given peacekeepers for Sudan. I did
    brief you on my talks in Israel and with the Palestinians, and they were
    positive talks. And I said, I'm optimistic an agreement can be reached.
    And the reason I am, is because I believe the leadership in Israel and
    the leadership of the Palestinians is committed to a two-state solution.
    And I know nations in the neighborhood are willing to help, particularly
    yourself. And I appreciate your strong, constructive support for the
    process.
        And I told the President, I'm going to stay--there's a wonder
    whether or not the American President, when he says something, whether
    he actually means it. When I say, ``I'm coming back to stay engaged,'' I
    mean it. And when I say, ``I'm optimistic we can get a deal done,'' I
    mean what I'm saying. And so I appreciate the chance to talk.
        We also talked about Lebanon, and we agreed it's important for
    nations in this region to support Prime Minister Siniora. It's important to encourage the holding of immediate and
    unconditional Presidential elections according to the Lebanese
    Constitution and to make it clear to Syria, Iran, and their allies, they
    must end their interference and efforts to undermine the process.
        We talked--and by the way, when it came to the Israeli-Palestinian
    peace talks, I want to thank you for your support of Annapolis. It was
    important that you were there. As a matter of fact, you didn't hesitate,
    because you knew that both those parties had to have supportive people
    in the region. And I thank you very much for that.
        We spent time on Iraq. The President asked me how I thought things
    were going there. The decision to send more troops is working. Violence
    is down. Secretary Rice came back from Iraq
    yesterday and briefed me that she was able to see life returning back to
    the streets, where moms are out with their children. Normal life is
    coming back, and political life is moving.
        Mr. President, I'm sure you followed the fact that the Council of
    Representatives passed the de-Ba'athification law as part of an
    important reconciliation package. The Government isn't perfect, but
    nevertheless, progress is being made. And I assure to you, Mr.
    President--I want to share this with the press corps--that the United
    States will continue to help the Iraqi people secure their democracy.
        I also talked about Egypt's role in the world. Egypt is an important
    nation that sends a clear signal. People watch Egypt. I appreciate very
    much the long and proud tradition that you've had for a vibrant civil
    society. I appreciate the fact that women play an important role in your
    society, Mr. President. I do so because not only am I'm a proud father
    of two young professional women, I also know how important it is for any vibrant society to
    have women involved in constructive and powerful ways. And I appreciate
    the example that your nation is setting.
        Progress toward greater political openness is being led by the
    Egyptians themselves, by pioneering journalists--some of whom even may
    be here--bloggers or judges insisting on independence or other strong
    civic and religious leaders who love their country and are determined to
    build a democratic future.
        Because of the predominate role you play and because I strongly
    believe that Egypt can play a role in the freedom and justice movement,
    you and I have discussed the issue. You have taken steps toward economic
    openness, and I discussed that with your Prime Minister--and democratic reform. And my hope is that
    the Egyptian Government will build on these important steps and give the
    people of this proud

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    nation a greater voice in your future. I think it will lead to peace,
    and I think it will lead to justice.
        Our friendship with Egypt is deep and broad. Egypt will continue to
    be a vital strategic partner of the United States. We will work together
    to build a safer and more peaceful world. And, Mr. President, I thank
    your leadership on the issue of peace and security.
        I've had a great trip. I've been impressed by the warmth and the
    energy of the people I have met. This is a dynamic part of the world
    that is seeing significant changes. I wish my fellow citizens would be
    able to come and see firsthand the vibrancy and excitement in the Middle
    East. People here are working to embrace the opportunities of a modern
    global economy and, in doing so, are not abandoning their traditions or
    cultures or their faith.
        This isn't easy work, as we head into the 21st century, and it's
    going to require social, economic, and political reform. And it takes
    time for people to resolve the challenges in their respective societies;
    same in my country. But I'm absolutely confident the people of the
    Middle East are working hard to build a society based upon justice. And
    I've assured them that as they make the journey, the United States will
    be a steady friend and partner.
        Thank you for your time. God bless.
        President Mubarak. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:46 p.m. in the Royal Suite Garden at the
    Four Seasons Resort. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Fuad
    Siniora of Lebanon; and Prime Minister Ahmed Mohamed Nazif of Egypt.
    President Mubarak spoke partly in Arabic, and those portions of his
    remarks were translated by an interpreter.