    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 25 (Monday, June 26, 2006)]
    [Pages 1210-1211]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks at a Luncheon Hosted by President Laszlo Solyom and Prime
    Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany of Hungary in Budapest

    June 22, 2006

        President Solyom. Mr. President, Mrs. Bush, distinguished guests, it
    is indeed a great honor and great privilege to have the President of the
    United States of America here in Hungary on the occasion of the
    commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution and freedom
    fight.
        This visit demonstrates that community of shared values that is a
    very strong bond between us. It was freedom, democracy, self-
    determination, and human rights--were the values for which so many
    people sacrificed their lives in Hungary in 1956.
        This year, in March, in the Capitol, President Bush said, on the
    occasion of the commemoration, that the Hungarian Revolution was an
    example of patience and is a value which is deeply rooted in everybody's
    soul. We were, indeed, very patient. We carried this value in the heart
    of our hearts for 35 years, and not only in the heart, and finally,
    after 35 years, it became reality.
        This set of values is a must for us, to authentically represent it
    all over the world. During our bilateral meetings, we were able to
    exchange views on the various techniques that can help people to have
    these values take deep roots in the hearts of the people.
        Only a few of us know, though, the great importance of the practice
    of the Supreme Court of the United States, especially in the field of
    human rights, the lesson we learn from them and started to exercise
    them, and then radiate the lesson to the neighboring countries in east-
    central Europe and even beyond that, down to South Africa. And these
    techniques are just as important as is another important initiative by
    the father of President Bush, who initiated the establishment of
    environmental center, which radiated an impact and influence all over
    the region.
        In the course of our bilateral relations, I reiterated our
    commitment to fight and enhance sustainable economic growth in the
    world. We touched upon several foreign political issues as from the
    Balkans down to Iraq, Iran, and Russia. We agreed that there are vast
    opportunities to further expand our bilateral cooperation, and our two
    respective countries have their own role to play. And Hungary, because
    of its geopolitical situation and tradition, can help a lot to
    materialize our common goals and objectives.
        In the spirit of this common cooperation, may I propose a toast to
    the health of Mr. President, Mrs. Bush, and the cooperation between our
    two respective countries.
        President Bush. Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, Laura and I thank
    you and your wives for such gracious hospitality in this beautiful
    country. It is a joy to be in Hungary. It is an honor to be here.
        I bring the greetings from my country. I bring the greetings from
    Hungarian Americans who are so proud of their heritage. I bring the
    thanks of the American people for supporting the freedom movement. I'm
    looking forward to sharing some thoughts about the unbelievable events
    that took place in 1956. And all of us who have the blessings of freedom
    must remember the spirit that took place then and must never take
    freedom for granted.
        I congratulate your political leaders for doing the hard work
    necessary to make sure democracy takes hold. And I assure the Hungarian
    people that we're proud to be your friend and ally. And so it is in the
    spirit of respect and friendship that I would like to offer a toast to
    the people of Hungary.
        Prime Minister Gyurcsany. Mr. Presidents, ladies and gentlemen;
    freedom and love, these are the two things I need. That's how we
    Hungarians, many Hungarians sing but this is also how Americans or
    anybody else in the world could sing and celebrate like we do here in
    Hungary all the time. Freedom and love really link together the two
    basic conditions for public and private happiness. Neither of these can
    exist without enthusiasm. Neither of these can tolerate selfishness. And
    both of these require unselfishness and sacrifice. So we are prepared to
    do our best for a better world, unselfishly and with some self-sacrifice
    sometimes.
        And we know that this better world needs more democracy, more
    understanding, and sometimes, perhaps, more love. Well, this is perhaps
    where we are linked together, Europe and the United States, Hungary and
    the

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    United States, in this effort, in this struggle. Sometimes we might have
    debates; we might have discussions; but after all, we know that we must
    work together and fight together for the objectives that we have
    together.
        So, welcome, Mr. President. Let's make this a better world, better
    Hungary, and better United States.

    Note: The President spoke at approximately 12:20 p.m. in Hunter Hall at
    the Parliament. In his remarks, he referred to Erzsebet Solyom, wife of
    President Solyom; and Klara Dobrev, wife of Prime Minister Gyurcsany.
    President Laszlo and Prime Minister Gyurcsany spoke in Hungarian, and
    their remarks were translated by an interpreter.