[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 19 (Monday, May 14, 2007)]
[Page 591]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a State Dinner Honoring Queen Elizabeth II of the United 
Kingdom

May 7, 2007

    President Bush. Your Majesty and Your Royal Highness, distinguished 
guests: Laura and I offer you a warm welcome to the White House. We're 
really glad you're here.
    Tonight is the fourth state dinner held in Your Majesty's honor here 
at the White House. On previous such occasions, you've been welcomed by 
President Eisenhower, President Ford, and another President named Bush. 
[Laughter] Over your long reign, America and Britain have deepened our 
friendship and strengthened our alliance.
    Our alliance is rooted in the beliefs that we share. We recognize 
that every individual has dignity and matchless value. We believe that 
the most effective governments are those that hold themselves 
accountable to their people. And we know that the advance of freedom is 
the best hope for lasting peace in our world.
    Based on our common values, our two nations are working together for 
the common good. Together we are supporting young democracies in Iraq 
and Afghanistan. Together we're confronting global challenges such as 
poverty and disease and terrorism. And together we're working to build a 
world in which more people can enjoy prosperity and security and peace.
    Friendships remain strong when they are continually renewed, and the 
American people appreciate Your Majesty's commitment to our friendship. 
We thank you for helping us celebrate the 400th anniversary of the 
Jamestown settlement. We're confident that Anglo-American friendship 
will endure for centuries to come.
    So, on behalf of the American people, I offer a toast to Your 
Majesty, to Your Royal Highness, and to our staunch allies, the valiant 
people of the United Kingdom.
    Queen Elizabeth II. Thank you very much, indeed.
    President Bush. Your turn, Your Majesty.

Note: The President spoke at 8:10 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the 
White House. In his remarks, he referred to Prince Philip, Duke of 
Edinburgh. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary 
also included the remarks of Queen Elizabeth II.