    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [September 15, 2008]
    [Pages 1205-1206]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a State Dinner Honoring President John Agyekum Kufuor of Ghana
    September 15, 2008

        Mr. President and Mrs. Kufuor and family
    members; members of the Cabinet; Mr. Vice President; Members of Congress; distinguished guests: Thank you all
    for coming. Laura and I are really happy to host
    you tonight. And we're particularly happy to host President Kufuor and
    Mrs. Kufuor. After all, we were in their country last February, and it
    was a unbelievable visit in spite of my lousy dancing. [Laughter] Mrs.
    Kufuor was my partner, and she can testify to my lousy dancing.
    [Laughter]
        The memories of the trip will always stay with us, Mr. President. It
    was a great experience. You're the President of a country of such great
    potential, and you're President of a country of such wonderful people.
        We really do want to--I hope you relax tonight for this special
    evening. After dinner we'll go out to the Rose Garden for a--interesting
    entertainment.
        John and I will be joining the ex-Presidents club in a couple of
    months. [Laughter] But I am confident we have left behind an enduring
    relationship between our two countries. We are--we've worked hard to
    help the people of Ghana. Because of his integrity and because of his
    leadership, I was confident in proposing the Millennium Challenge
    Account for the country of Ghana.
        We're working hard to fight disease together. In this room are
    compassionate people who care deeply about the citizens of your country,
    John. And we want to thank you for your compassion and thank you for
    coming. We care deeply about the education of people all across the
    globe. John, you've helped your people build a thriving democracy, where
    the rule of law is respected. And as well, you've taken a leadership
    role on the continent of Africa.
        I thank you for your wise counsel and your judgment on how the
    United States can work to promote peace. I really have greatly enjoyed
    serving with you in an historic era. I have confidence that the next
    Presidents of both our countries will be able to work together.
        In the meantime, I offer you a toast. I wish you all the best in
    your retirement. I have loved being in your presence. And so a toast to
    the President, and his gracious wife Theresa,
    and the people of Ghana.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:02 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the
    White House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary also included the remarks of President Kufuor.

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