    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [August 6, 2008]
    [Pages 1102-1103]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to a Meeting With President Lee Myung-bak of South Korea in Seoul, South Korea
    August 6, 2008

        President Lee. Mr. President, Mrs. Bush, as well as your lovely
    daughter, Barbara Bush, I would like to welcome you from the bottom of
    our hearts. Yes, well, Mr. President, the majority of the Korean people
    have been eagerly waiting for your visit to Korea this time, and as you
    saw yesterday, there were many people who gathered together to welcome
    your visit to Korea.
        President Bush. Thank you.
        President Lee. And also, Mr. President, yesterday in the lawn in
    front of the Seoul City Hall, there were many people gathered there,
    thousands of people gathered, who came together to pray, not only for
    your visit, but also for the future of the Korea-U.S. relationship as
    well.
        And of course, behind those people, there were those who were sort
    of opposed. [Laughter] But, however, the number was minimal, sir.
        President Bush. Thank you.
        President Lee. Yes, well, Mr. President, I don't need to reiterate
    the fact that Korea and the United States, we are traditional allies and
    friends for many, many years. And also, it's been only a little over 5
    months since I assumed the Presidency, but today is already our third
    meeting, Mr. President. So officially, but as well as personally, I have
    deep friendship for you and for the people of America, and I believe in
    the future of the Korea-U.S. relationship.
        And as you saw, Mr. President, the weather today is beautiful. We
    had rain coming--torrential rain coming up until about 2 days ago. Thank
    you.
        President Bush. Thank you, sir. Yes. Thank you, Mr. President.
    Laura and I are

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    delighted to be with you and Mrs. Kim again. Ours
    is a vital relationship. And our three meetings will only strengthen the
    relationship. I admire your forthrightness, your integrity, and your
    deep love for the people of Korea.
        And I enjoy coming to a free society, where people are able to
    express their opinions. And your country is a free society. So thank
    you. I'm looking forward to our conversations. Thank you, sir.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:46 a.m. at the Blue House. In his
    remarks, he referred to Kim Yoon-ok, wife of President Lee.