[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 42 (Monday, October 20, 1997)]
[Page 1556]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Arrival in Caracas, Venezuela

October 12, 1997

    President and Mrs. Caldera, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the 
entire American delegation and all the American people, let me first 
say, Saludos, amigos. It is good to be in Venezuela.
    When the first explorers came to the Americas centuries ago, there 
was no distinction in their minds between North and South America; it 
was simply the New World. Now we have an opportunity to bring the 
Americas together again; a land united by shared values from Alaska to 
Patagonia; a place the rest of the world can look to and say, this is 
where the future lives.
    Indeed, we are present at the future. Every country but one in our 
hemisphere is now a democracy. Command economies have given way to free 
markets and the more widespread prosperity they bring. We tear down 
trade barriers and create good jobs for all our people in the Americas, 
North and South.
    Even as our governments are devoted to free markets and enterprise, 
we assume the necessary responsibility for meeting their challenges: to 
educate our children, to protect their health and the environment, to 
defend their liberty and human rights. If we stay this course, in the 
21st century the Americas can be a stronghold for security and 
prosperity; a model to the world that democracy, open markets, and 
cooperation can deliver blessings to all our people.
    Venezuela has been a driving force in this quiet revolution. Your 
democracy is strong after weathering difficult challenges. Your economy 
is growing in the wake of real sacrifice. The strength you find in 
Venezuela's diversity is indeed an inspiration to every nation in our 
hemisphere.
    The United States is proud of its partnership with Venezuela, proud 
that we share a fundamental optimism about the future and a common 
resolve to work toward securing the benefits of peace and prosperity. 
From an abiding faith in democracy to a willingness to fight crime and 
corruption, from energy development to environmental protection, from 
music to baseball, we are united by our concerns and by our passions.
    Thirty-six years ago, John Kennedy became the first American 
President to visit Venezuela. In speaking to the people here, he cited 
his predecessor, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and his earlier efforts to 
promote friendship between the nations of this hemisphere--and I quote--
``united by nature and united in their common aspirations.'' Today, I 
proudly follow in the footsteps of both men, committed to sustain their 
impulse to reach across borders and learn from our friends and 
neighbors, for our mutual benefit.
    As we stand on the edge of a new century in a new millennium, we are 
very much like the first explorers who came here centuries ago; we can 
see a new world in the making. That is our chance and our 
responsibility. Let us seize it together.
    Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 3:10 p.m. at La Carlotta Air Base. In his 
remarks, he referred to President Rafael Caldera of Venezuela and his 
wife, Alicia.