    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 36 (Monday, September 10, 2007)]
    [Pages 1188-1189]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks at a Luncheon With Southeast Asian Leaders in Sydney

    September 7, 2007

        President Bush. Mr. Prime Minister, thank you very much for inviting
    me to join the ASEAN group. ASEAN represents our

    [[Page 1189]]

    fourth largest trading partner. In other words, this is a group of
    friends that represent more than just social acquaintances; you
    represent commerce and trade and prosperity. And I want to thank you
    very much for giving me a chance to come and talk to you about our
    common interests and common goals.
        I invited the ASEAN leaders to Texas at their convenience. I'm
    looking forward to hosting you down there. I'm looking forward to
    continuing our constructive conversation on--whether it be democracy or
    fighting terror or expanding trade or avian flu or climate change.
        I also am pleased to announce that we'll be naming an Ambassador to
    ASEAN, so that we can make sure that the ties we've established over the
    past years remain firmly entrenched.
        So I appreciate your hospitality. It's good to be amongst friends. I
    enjoyed our candid conversation, and I thank you for your leadership in
    this important part of the world.
        Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore. Thank you. Thank you
    very much.
        President Bush. You bet. Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:49 p.m. at the InterContinental Sydney.