[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
[November 24, 2008]
[Page 1393]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel
November 24, 2008

    President Bush. I am pleased to welcome my friend Prime Minister 
Ehud Olmert back to the Oval Office. And I thank you for bringing your 
wife to have dinner tonight with Laura and me. I'm looking forward to it.
    We've been through a lot together during our time in office. We 
strongly believe that Israel will benefit by having a Palestinian state, 
a democracy on her border that works for peace. And, Prime Minister, 
that vision is alive because of you. And I thank you for your steadfast 
support for peace.
    And it's not easy. It's not easy to try to change the paradigm, and 
I understand that. But one thing is for certain: You've kept your word. 
And in international politics, that's important. And I want to thank you 
for the friendship and thank you for your vision. And I just want you to 
know that I believe that vision is alive and needs to be worked on.
    And again, I welcome you. Appreciate you coming.
    Prime Minister Olmert. Thank you very much, Mr. President. I'm 
delighted to have this opportunity to express again the deep gratitude 
that we all have to you, personally, as a human being, as a friend, as a 
courageous leader who has helped Israel so much over the period since 
you were President of the United States of America.
    We will never forget that you have removed one of the most 
threatening strategic dangers from Israel on the east side, in Iraq. And 
this is a great achievement that makes life much better for many people 
in our part of the world, particularly for us and for our neighbors as 
well.
    You have set forth in motion the Annapolis process, which I was very 
proud to take part in.
    President Bush. Yes, sir.
    Prime Minister Olmert. It continues with your guidance and support 
and inspiration. And this is very important, because as you say, a two-
state solution is the only possible way to resolve the conflict in the 
Middle East.
    So, Mr. President, on behalf of the people of Israel, I want to 
thank you. The importance of your leadership is greatly appreciated in 
our country. And I'm sure that when the history books will be written, 
the contributions that you made to the safety and security of many 
people will be greatly appreciated.
    Personally, I want to thank you for your friendship on behalf of my 
wife Aliza and myself. And I'm so happy and proud that I have an 
opportunity to bid farewell to you before you leave this great place and 
before I leave my office. And I'm sure that we will continue our 
friendship for many years to come.
    Thank you very much.
    The President. Sure. Thank you, sir. Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 5:40 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White 
House.