[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 21 (Monday, May 26, 2003)]
[Pages 631-632]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a State Dinner Honoring President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of 
the Philippines

May 19, 2003

    Welcome. Madam President, Attorney Arroyo, it is a high honor for 
Laura and me to welcome you and host you at the White House. Madam 
President, I know you attended college here in Washington, so perhaps I 
ought to say welcome back or, as they say at Georgetown, Hoya Saxa. 
[Laughter]
    With your visit, the Philippines and the United States affirm our 
strong friendship, our common commitment to fighting terror, and our 
shared determination to promote freedom.
    Our nations are natural partners. We are connected by an ocean, 
united by a shared history, and sustained by the bonds of family and 
culture. More than 2 million Americans have family ties to the 
Philippines. And some are with us tonight, and you're welcome. Filipino 
Americans strengthen America's culture, our economy, and our Government. 
And we are privileged that they call this country their home.
    The United States and the Philippines are also joined by common 
values, especially the value of human freedom. And when freedom comes 
under attack, our countries respond.
    Madam President, you've been a fierce fighter of terrorism in your 
own country. You've earned the respect of the American people for your 
resolve. And after September

[[Page 632]]

the 11th, you were one of the first leaders to contact me and express 
your strong support for the war against terror, and you have not 
wavered.
    The President was also a strong and persuasive voice on the need to 
disarm Saddam Hussein and to liberate the Iraqi people.
    Madam President, for your leadership and for your friendship, I 
thank you.
    Seventeen years ago, the Filipino people restored their nation's 
democratic tradition and inspired lovers of freedom across the globe. In 
the years since, the Philippines has emerged as a stronger and more 
confident nation. The Philippines is building its prosperity on the 
foundation of markets and building its future on a foundation of 
democracy. These commitments are opening new opportunities for the 
Filipino people and setting a hopeful example for other nations 
traveling the road to freedom.
    President Arroyo is playing a large role in her nation's success. 
Her bold and determined leadership has opened a new chapter in the 
friendship between our countries and is responsible for revitalizing our 
strong alliance.
    In his last poem, Jose Rizal, one of the founders of the Filipino 
independence, referred to his native land as the ``Pearl of the Orient 
Seas.'' More than a century later, this ``pearl'' is admired the world 
over for its beauty, its progress, and its wonderful people.
    Madam President, it will be my pleasure to visit the Philippines 
later this year, with you as my host. And Laura and I and the American 
people are honored to have you and your husband as our guests here 
tonight. Would you please join me in a toast to the enduring friendship 
between the Philippines and the United States.

Note: The President spoke at 8:33 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the 
White House. In his remarks, he 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.