[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 28 (Monday, July 17, 2006)]
[Pages 1333-1334]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks in a Discussion With Civic Leaders in St. Petersburg, Russia

July 14, 2006

    Ambassador, thank you for setting up this meeting. I've just had a 
really interesting meeting. I've been meeting with young, vibrant 
Russian activists who, first, love their country; secondly, care deeply 
about the form of government of the country; and third, care deeply 
about the human condition in their country.
    These folks come from a variety of different NGOs and civic groups, 
representing a variety of issues--all bound together to be involved in 
their governments, in their countries, so that it's the best it can 
possibly be.
    I spent a lot of time listening to their concerns. I assured them 
that the United States

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of America cares about the form of government in Russia, that we believe 
in the universal values embedded in democracy. We believe in rule of 
law; we believe in human rights; we believe everybody has a right to be 
treated equally.
    I explained to them that our own government and our country took a 
while to evolve, but nevertheless, it's important to be aiming toward a 
better tomorrow.
    I hope my visit here was encouraging to them; it certainly was 
instructional for me. I explained to them my strategy of dealing with 
Vladimir Putin, who is my friend. Some asked me to deliver messages, 
which I'd be more than happy to do. I explained to them that it's in the 
U.S. interests to remain engaged with Russia--Russia is a great country 
with a fantastic future--and that the foreign policy of my 
administration will be to work with Russia to solve common problems and 
at the same time be in a position where we can have a frank exchange of 
ideas and philosophies and views.
    I told the young leaders here that this has been a very enriching 
experience for me. I shared the thought--shared the idea that I'm the 
father of 24-year-old twin daughters. I'm looking at some folks here at 
the table who are their age; I'm impressed by their courage and their 
idealism and their desire to make their societies a better place.
    So I want to thank you all for your visit. Thank you for your frank 
exchanges. I will you all the very best, and I ask for God's blessings 
on the people of Russia.

Note: The President spoke at 4:06 p.m. at the Counsel General's 
residence. In his remarks, he referred to U.S. Ambassador to Russia 
William J. Burns; and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. A tape was not 
available for verification of the content of these remarks.