[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 46 (Monday, November 19, 2001)]
[Page 1642]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Luncheon Hosted by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi 
Annan in New York City

November 10, 2001

    Mr. Secretary-General, distinguished members of the United Nations 
community, excellencies, and ladies and gentlemen. It's a great honor to 
attend my first U.N. General Debate as President of the United States. 
It's a special pleasure for all of us this year to be in New York, a 
city whose strength, determination, and civility have been a powerful 
testament to the human spirit.
    My country is very honored that for over half a century, New York 
has served as host to the United Nations. The United States and the 
United Nations have more in common than just a city; we also share a set 
of common values. Today those values are under attack, and the United 
Nations and the United States stand together to defend them. In this 
great cause, it is a special honor for me to have found a great partner 
in Kofi Annan.
    Mr. Secretary-General, I appreciate the many times we have spoken, 
particularly over the last 2 months. These have been difficult and 
challenging days for my Nation, and I've benefited from your wisdom and 
your vision and your resolve and your optimism.
    Mr. Secretary-General, let me take this opportunity to congratulate 
you and the United Nations once again on your receipt of this year's 
Nobel Peace Prize.
    Mr. Secretary-General, you've been the leader of the United Nations 
at a time it needed leadership, at a time when your strong advocacy for 
peace and international public health and collective security was needed 
so badly. You've been a strong voice for human solidarity and vigilance 
against violence. And Americans deeply admire your strong defense of the 
universality of human rights.
    We've been called to fight many times in the defense of human 
rights, and today we're called again, because today our very 
civilization is threatened. Mr. Secretary-General, we appreciate your 
support in this great struggle.
    I offer you this toast: Mr. Secretary-General, to the continued 
success of your stewardship of the United Nations, to the institution 
you serve so ably, and to our common search for peace and justice in the 
world. God bless.

Note: The President spoke at 1:44 p.m. in the North Delegates Lounge at 
the United Nations Headquarters.