    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [July 8, 2008]
    [Page 1003]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany in Toyako
    July 8, 2008

        President Bush. Madam Chancellor, thank you for yet another visit. I
    value your friendship; I value your advice. We talked about a lot of
    common problems and a lot of common opportunities. We talked about the
    G-8. We talked about the need to work--to continue to work together on
    Iran. Angela Merkel is a constructive force for good. And I appreciate
    your time. Thank you.
        Chancellor Merkel. Well, thank you very much. As always, we had a
    very interesting exchange of view, a very intensive exchange of view.
    And let me tell you that I'm very satisfied with the work that has gone
    on, on the G-8 documents, as regards progress on the issue of climate
    change, cooperation in the area of food and oil. We discussed here a
    number of other foreign policy--foreign political issues--sorry. We also
    discussed WTO and the possible conclusion to that negotiating process.
    And let me say that we are hopeful that such a successful conclusion may
    be possible over the next few weeks to come.
        President Bush. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:56 a.m. at the Windsor Hotel Toya Resort
    and Spa. Chancellor Merkel spoke in German, and her remarks were
    translated by an interpreter.