[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 10 (Monday, March 13, 2006)]
[Pages 405-406]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a State Dinner Hosted by President Pervez Musharraf of 
Pakistan in Islamabad

 March 4, 2006

    Mr. President and Mrs. Musharraf and distinguished guests, Laura and 
I thank you for the warm and gracious welcome. It's such a pleasure to 
be here in Pakistan. We've had a fantastic day. I was fooled by a 
googly. [Laughter] Otherwise, I'd have been a better batsman. But it's 
been a full day, Mr. President, and your hospitality has overwhelmed us, 
and thank you.
    I bring greetings from my fellow citizens, in particular the 
thousands of Pakistani Americans who call my land home, folks who have 
really made a tremendous contribution to the United States of America.
    Our nations are strong allies, Mr. President. We're allies in the 
war on terror, and

[[Page 406]]

we're allies in laying the foundation of lasting peace. In the struggle 
in the war on terror, Pakistan and America has lost many good citizens. 
And we ask for God's blessings on their families. Pakistan's efforts to 
enhance peace and security have earned the respect and the admiration of 
the American people. When the terrorists are defeated and when the peace 
is won, our two nations will share the peace together.
    The American people care deeply about the people of Pakistan. We 
watched with horror and great sorrow as last year's earthquake 
devastated this ancient land. Americans have experienced the trauma of 
natural disasters in our own country, and we've witnessed the power of 
friendship to rebuild lives and to restore hope. I'm proud of the U.S. 
relief efforts. I want to thank those officials who are here to help the 
people of Pakistan.
    I'm pleased that our helicopters earned the name ``angels of mercy'' 
from those who were anxious for help in the mountains. I'm proud that 
our Government and businesses and private organizations and individual 
families also saw your need and gave their time and treasures to help 
rebuild this vital nation. Our donations reflect the compassion of our 
country, the respect we have for Pakistan. And we will make good on our 
donations, Mr. President.
    America and Pakistan have confronted great challenges together, and 
we will continue to do so. Americans will support the Pakistani people 
as they take further steps toward democracy, expand educational 
opportunities for boys and girls, and create prosperity through 
innovation and global trade. Pakistan has a bright future because of its 
proud people and because of the hard work of a strong leader. President 
Musharraf, you've proved yourself to be a man of courage and vision. I 
appreciate the honor of being your partner in working for peace and 
security.
    And so, Mr. President, with gratitude for what we've accomplished 
and with optimism for what we will yet accomplish, I offer my respect to 
you, to your gracious wife, and to the people of Pakistan.

Note: The President spoke at 8:10 p.m. at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. In his 
remarks, he referred to Sehba Musharraf, wife of President Musharraf. 
The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also 
included the remarks of President Musharraf.