    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 46 (Monday, November 20, 2006)]
    [Pages 2054-2055]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Following Discussions With Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of
    Singapore in Singapore

    November 16, 2006

        Prime Minister Lee. Well, I have just a few words to say. I'm very
    happy to have President Bush here and visiting Singapore for the second
    time in 3 years. We've had a very good conversation on many issues. Our
    bilateral relationship is excellent. We've had a very good time talking
    about it. We discussed what was happening in the region, what's
    happening in the Middle East, what's

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    happening all over Asia, our economic matters, as well as security
    issues, as well as terrorism.
        And on many of these areas, we not only exchanged notes but found a
    significant degree of matching in our views. Maybe it's because we've
    exchanged views so many times and we know how each other think, but I
    think it's also because our interests are aligned. And Singapore is very
    happy that America has a stake in the region and is growing the stake in
    the region. And we would like to help this to happen and to ensure that
    this continues for a long time to come.
        So welcome, sir.
        President Bush. Mr. Prime Minister, thanks. Thank you for your
    hospitality, again. Laura and I feel very comfortable in your country,
    and we feel comfortable in your presence. You're right; we had a wide-
    ranging discussion. I always benefit when I get your advice and your
    counsel on the neighborhood. And I think America's presence in the Far
    East is very important for our own country. And therefore, when you
    share your thoughts with me, it makes it much easier for us to conduct
    wise foreign policy.
        We've got a lot in common, particularly our desire to continue to
    promote free and fair trade, because your country has shown that open
    markets are capable of lifting up an entire people. And I congratulate
    you on your leadership, congratulate the people of Singapore for really
    being a model for the neighborhood.
        And I'm looking forward to the dinner tonight that you're giving.
        Prime Minister Lee. Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:29 p.m. at the Istana. A tape was not
    available for verification of the content of these remarks.