    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [October 13, 2008]
    [Pages 1300-1301]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Welcoming Ceremony for Prime Minister Silvio
    Berlusconi of Italy
    October 13, 2008

        Buon giorno. [Laughter] Fellow citizens, distinguished guests, thank
    you all for being here as we receive a wonderful visitor, the Prime
    Minister of the Italian Republic, Silvio Berlusconi. He is a man of
    accomplishment, a statesman from a great nation, and a warm friend of
    the United States. Mr. Prime Minister, you honor us with your visit, and
    Laura and I are so pleased to have you come to
    the White House on Columbus Day.
        On this national holiday, America remembers the explorer from Genoa
    who led a fleet of three tiny ships on a great journey of discovery.
    Christopher Columbus earned his place in history by introducing the Old
    World to the New. And in the story of his life, Americans see qualities
    that are so much a part of our Nation: the vision to take a risk and to
    explore the unknown, the courage to persevere through difficulty, and
    the optimism to greet every new day with confidence and joy.
        Italy is rightly proud of Christopher Columbus. And America is proud
    that so many other Italians have journeyed across the Atlantic and made
    this land their home. Generations of Italian immigrants have
    strengthened America with their own traditions of faith in God, pride in
    family, devotion to country, and love of life. In more ways than can be
    counted, the United States is a better place for the influence of the
    sons and daughters of Italy.
        With the visit today of Prime Minister Berlusconi, we reaffirm the
    close and trusting friendship between our two countries. For more than
    six decades, America and Italy have been partners in the work of freedom
    and progress. We look to the future with confidence.
        Together, we have worked to build a strong transatlantic alliance
    that helps guard the lives and liberty of our peoples. We know that
    further growth of NATO will serve the interest of all who cherish
    freedom, security, and peace.
        Together, we're standing firm against the forces of brutality and
    instability in our world. Our countries and other peaceful nations have
    been targeted by terrorists. We will fight those enemies until they are
    defeated. Our security is threatened by the proliferation of deadly
    technologies, and we're acting to remove that danger. Civilization is
    challenged by extremist ideologies with a will to power, and we are
    determined to overcome hatred and intolerance with the values of decency
    and justice and democracy.
        Together, we are giving support to rising democracies and defending
    the innocent against the violent. Italy has shown that commitment by
    deploying forces to the NATO mission in Afghanistan and by leading NATO
    training operations in Iraq. Italian forces are also serving the cause
    of peace and stability in Lebanon and Kosovo and Bosnia. And, Mr. Prime
    Minister, America is proud to be your ally in missions that will bring
    forth a better and a safer world.
        As allies and friends, the United States and Italy have formed
    strong bonds of commerce and understanding. By our commitment to free
    markets and the spirit of enterprise, we've helped ourselves and others
    to succeed and prosper. And in these times of economic turmoil, we're
    working with other governments to resolve the troubles of the financial
    markets. Just this weekend, I met with the Finance Minister of
    Italy and his counterparts from the G-7 and
    G-20 nations. All of us will continue taking responsible, decisive
    action to restore credit and stability and return to vigorous growth.

    [[Page 1301]]

        Despite many challenges, the United States and Italy know that we
    are very fortunate countries. We count our blessings, and we share a
    belief that material wealth brings responsibilities. So we've joined
    with other industrial powers to fight hunger and disease in Africa and
    to promote the development that can lift nations out of poverty and
    despair. We have been generous, and we've given new hope to millions who
    suffer. We will not grow tired in the cause of progress and human rights
    and human dignity.
        At this crucial time in history, with so much yet to do, relations
    between the United States and Italy are superb. There's a genuine
    respect between our peoples, and Prime Minister Berlusconi and I have
    shared that respect in all our dealings. In these years, I have deeply
    appreciated his friendship and his wisdom. The Prime Minister is a man
    of sincerity and principle, who speaks his mind and keeps his word. And
    because of his high spirits and boundless optimism, it is always good to
    see him and to spend time with him.
        So on this beautiful Columbus Day, Laura and I are proud to greet
    him on behalf of our whole Nation. Mr. Prime Minister, mio caro amico,
    benvenuto--my dear friend, welcome to the United States.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:17 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House, where Prime Minister Berlusconi was accorded a formal welcome
    with full military honors. In his remarks, he referred to Minister of
    Economy and Finance Giulio Tremonti of Italy. The transcript released by
    the Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of Prime
    Minister Berlusconi.