[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 21 (Monday, May 26, 2003)]
[Pages 623-624]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Welcoming Ceremony for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of 
the Philippines

May 19, 2003

    President Bush. Madam President, Attorney Arroyo, members of the 
Philippine delegation, Members of Congress, and distinguished guests: On 
behalf of the American people, Laura and I welcome you to the United 
States.
    This is the first state visit by the leader of an Asian country 
during my administration. You honor the American people with your visit, 
because our two nations share special ties of history and friendship and 
family. And we share a commitment to the defense of democracy and the 
advance of freedom.
    Just over a century ago, Americans and Filipinos worked side by side 
to liberate the Philippines. Nearly half a century later, in a World 
War, our soldiers fought and died together in places like Bataan and 
Corregidor. And on this foundation of common sacrifice, America and the 
Philippines built an alliance that remains strong, an alliance that is 
essential to the peace of the Pacific.
    In this new century, both our nations are threatened by terrorism, 
and we are determined to fight that threat until it is defeated. Our 
diplomats and law enforcement and intelligence officers are working arm-
in-arm to disrupt terror plots, to cut off terrorist financing, and to 
bring the terrorists to justice.
    President Arroyo has welcomed American troops to train and advise 
their Philippine counterparts in Philippine-led antiterror operations. 
And she has been a leader in building broader cooperation against terror 
throughout the Asian Pacific region.
    Madam President, for all you have done to make our world safer, 
America thanks you.
    Last week's terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia that killed innocent 
civilians from the United States, the Philippines, and many other 
nations remind us that the war on terror continues. The world's free 
nations have the courage and the determination to fight this war, and 
together we will defeat the forces of global terror.
    President Arroyo also recognizes the threat posed by weapons of mass 
destruction. And she spoke with strength and conviction of the

[[Page 624]]

need to disarm the Iraqi dictator and to liberate the Iraqi people. Now 
the Philippines is helping Iraq take its place among free nations by 
sending military police and medical personnel. The President and I both 
recognize that a free and secure Iraq is good for the Philippines, is 
good for America, and is good for the world.
    We share great goals in the world. We are committed to opening 
markets in Asia and around the world to bring more people into an 
expanding circle of development and prosperity. And we are committed to 
adding the moral and material resources of our countries to the global 
fight against poverty and hunger and disease.
    Partnership between our nations is sustained by the friendship 
between our peoples. More than 2 million Americans trace their ancestry 
back to the Philippines, and they enrich our national life. Many 
Filipino Americans serve in our military, and I'm proud to recognize one 
of them today. Army Lieutenant General Edward Soriano is one of the 
highest ranking Filipino Americans in the history of America's military. 
He brings pride to both our countries, and we honor his service in the 
cause of freedom.
    The Philippines was the first democracy in Asia and has a proud 
tradition of democratic values, love of family, and faith in God. 
President Arroyo, you are carrying this tradition forward, and I'm proud 
to call you friend. Today the First Lady and I are honored to welcome 
you and Attorney Arroyo to America and to the White House. Mabuhay!

Note: The President spoke at 9:11 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House, where President Macapagal-Arroyo was accorded a formal welcome 
with full military honors. In his remarks, President Bush referred to 
Jose Miguel Arroyo, husband of President Macapagal-Arroyo; and former 
President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. The transcript released by the Office 
of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of President Macapagal-
Arroyo. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language transcript of these remarks.