[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 29 (Monday, July 25, 2005)]
[Pages 1178-1179]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Welcoming Ceremony for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of 
India

July 18, 2005

    Mr. Prime Minister, Mrs. Kaur, Laura and I are honored to welcome 
you to the White House.
    We meet as leaders of two great democracies committed to working 
together for a better and a safer world. Your visit reflects the growing 
bonds of cooperation between your nation and mine. Our nations have ties 
that are strong and warm. These ties are enriched by hundreds of 
thousands of Americans of Indian origin who contribute so much to 
America's vitality. Our people share the bonds of friendship and a 
commitment to prosperity, peace, and regional stability. Our nations 
believe in freedom, and our nations are confronting global terrorism.
    As diplomatic partners, we're meeting this threat in our own nations 
and abroad. And as economic partners, we're working around

[[Page 1179]]

the world to displace hatred and violence with prosperity, hope, and 
optimism. India's embrace of democracy and human rights has ensured that 
its great diversity will remain a national strength. And since enacting 
economic reforms in the early nineties, India has become an emerging 
economic power to the betterment of its people.
    The relationship between our two nations has never been stronger, 
and it will grow even closer in the days and years to come. This 
transformed relationship was seen vividly in the response to the 
December 26th tsunami that devastated parts of Asia. Along with Japan 
and Australia, our two nations launched a coordinated and effective 
disaster relief mission, providing assistance and relief where it was 
most needed.
    Mr. Prime Minister, the United States and India have built a 
relationship of great potential as we face this century's challenges. We 
look forward to building on our strong bilateral relationship to expand 
our economic ties and to lay the foundation of peace and prosperity for 
our children and our grandchildren.
    Welcome, Mr. Prime Minister, and thank you for coming.

Note: The President spoke at 9:11 a.m. at the South Portico at the White 
House, where Prime Minister Singh was accorded a formal welcome with 
full military honors. In his remarks, he referred to Gursharan Kaur, 
wife of Prime Minister Singh. The transcript released by the Office of 
the Press Secretary also included the remarks of Prime Minister Singh.