[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.