    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [September 17, 2008]
    [Page 1208]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With President Martin Torrijos
    Espino of Panama
    September 17, 2008

        President Bush. Mr. President, thank you for coming. It's--
    bienvenidos.
        President Torrijos. Yes.
        President Bush. Yes. President Torrijos has been a good personal
    friend, and he has been a good friend to freedom, prosperity, and
    democracy. I've been very impressed by your leadership.
        The Panamanian economy is strong. They are implementing now a very
    strategic decision, which is the--building a parallel canal in Panama. I
    remember when you first explained it to me there, when I went to visit
    you, I was most impressed. And then you're here now briefing me that the
    plans are not only in place, but the operations are beginning soon. And
    I congratulate you for that.
        We've talked about bilateral issues. One key issue, of course, is
    the free trade agreement between the United States and Panama. Congress
    needs to get it done. This is important for our--both our nations, it's
    important for our economies, and it's important for our friendship. And
    I appreciate you coming to talk to Members of Congress. I think it is
    most useful.
        And so it's a joy to be with you again, and I'm proud to have you
    here. And I pledge to you that I will continue to work hard on this
    important agreement, and I will. Welcome.
        President Torrijos. Thank you, sir. Thank you. It's always a
    pleasure talking to you and looking at our bilateral relations. They
    have grown stronger. There's a lot of issues of cooperation in the
    agenda, cooperation that will make a difference to common people in
    Panama: health programs, the regional center that's been established in
    Panama, educational programs that we're talking, and of course, our
    commitment to free trade and, as you said, the commitment that we hope
    we'll be ready to help in any way to--in the process.
        And I just want to thank you for being a friend of the country,
    being aware of our problem, and reaching out to help the Panamanian
    people. So thank you, sir.
        President Bush. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:54 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of these remarks.