[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 23 (Monday, June 11, 2001)]
[Page 847]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Meeting With Hispanic Leaders and an Exchange With 
Reporters in Miami, Florida

June 4, 2001

    The President. It's been my honor to address community leaders from 
many nations in our hemisphere. Miami is the international capital of 
South America and Central America. It's one of the most vibrant cities 
in our Nation, and another reason why it's so culturally rich.
    We had a wide-ranging discussion about different countries in our 
hemisphere. But I started off with a discussion about this 
administration's firm commitment to making sure our own neighborhood is 
free and democratic and trades--actively trades, so that we can promote 
wealth throughout the hemisphere. The best foreign policy for this 
country begins with having a neighborhood that's peaceful and free and 
secure and prosperous.
    And I was able to share with the leaders here how pleased I was that 
the Summit of the Americas went well, particularly the embrace--the fact 
that 34 democratically elected leaders from our hemisphere, all but one 
nation, was represented there.
    We had a great discussion, and it's so important for the President 
of the United States to sit at the same table with the leaders of this 
hemisphere. And they were--in our meetings where we were able just to 
sit around without a lot of people watching; we were able to have a free 
discussion. And they--I was able to explain our vision; they were able 
to share their problems. And many times, this great Nation of ours would 
be willing to help as much as we possibly can.
    I am confident and optimistic that our hemisphere is going to be 
more free and more prosperous than it's ever been. As we've discussed 
here, there are some problem areas, but that's what--that's what we need 
to do. We need to discuss the problem areas and come together to figure 
out ways to solve them.
    Anyway, I'm so thankful and so gracious--I'm gracious that my 
brother Jeb is concerned about the hemisphere, as well. I'm thankful 
that Mel Martinez, a product of the State of Florida, has agreed to see 
the Cabinet. I'm also thankful that these two people from the United 
States Congress, two great leaders, are--[applause].
    Thank you for coming.

Cuba

    Q. [Inaudible].
    The President. Yes, we'll talk about Cuba again, of course.

Note: The President spoke at 4:05 p.m. at the Omni Colonnade Hotel. In 
his remarks, he referred to Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida. A tape was not 
available for verification of the content of these remarks.