[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 2 (Monday, January 21, 2008)]
[Pages 80-82]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Meeting With President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak of 
Egypt in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

January 16, 2008

    President Mubarak. I'd like to welcome President Bush here in Egypt 
and, particularly, in Sharm el-Sheikh City. It is the City of Peace.
    We briefed Mr. Bush--he briefed us on the outcome of his visits in 
the region, and we had very important consultations, which dealt with 
the security situation now and bilateral and mutual efforts for the sake 
of peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.
    I emphasized through our consultations the Egyptian situation, 
underscoring and supporting peace and our aspirations that Mr. Bush 
follows up the negotiations between both the Israeli and Palestinian 
sides, and I also said that I wish to reach a peace agreement before the 
end of his term. I emphasized that the Palestinian question, of course, 
is the core of problems and conflict in the Middle East, and it is the 
entry to contain the crises and tension in the region and the best means 
to face what's going on in the world and our region--I mean by that, the 
escalation of violence, extremism, and terrorism.
    I also underscored the strategic importance we focus on here in 
Egypt, that the Gulf--its peoples, sisterly peoples and states, they are 
part and parcel of the national security of Egypt, the security of the 
Middle East, and the world. The Egyptian-American relations actually 
have been very important, and this importance has been getting more 
important. And this importance addressed the interests of both people in 
all the region and issues in the Middle East.
    Our consultations today showed that we believe and understand the 
mutual interests of both sides in continuing our dialog and 
consultations--and I mean by that, strategic consultations--for the sake 
of the peace, security, and stability of the Middle East and the 
development of its states and the prosperity of its people. I also 
emphasized that we in Egypt, we are keen on supporting peace efforts; 
that we're ready, hand in hand with the United States of America and the

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Quartet and all other regional and international stakeholders of 
parties, for the sake of comprehensive and just peace, to put an end to 
this Israeli-Palestinian conflict and, finally, to open new horizons for 
the Middle East, for a more peaceful and security future--more justice 
and security in the region.
    I reiterate our welcome words for Mr. Bush, and I hope that his 
efforts in the sake of peace would reach a success. And I'll give you 
the floor, sir.
    President Bush. Mr. President, thank you, sir. It's a pleasure to be 
back in Egypt. This is such a beautiful sight, Mr. President. Thank you 
for hosting my visit here. As you mentioned, I've been on a long trip, 
and I can't think of a better place to end it than right here with you 
in this beautiful setting.
    President Mubarak. But needs much more days.
    President Bush. Yes. He wants me back, okay. [Laughter] He's 
extended an invitation, and thank you for that, sir.
    It's an important stop for me because the United States has a 
longstanding friendship with Egypt. It's important for the people of 
Egypt to understand, our Nation respects you, respects your history, 
respects your traditions, and respects your culture. Our friendship is 
strong. It's a cornerstone of--one of the main cornerstones of our 
policy in this region, and it's based on our shared commitment to peace, 
security, and prosperity.
    I appreciate the opportunity, Mr. President, to give you an update 
on my trip. And I appreciate the advice you've given me. You've seen a 
lot in your years as President. You've got a great deal of experience, 
and I appreciate your feeling comfortable in sharing that experience 
once again with me.
    I really appreciate Egypt's support in the war on terror. I 
appreciate the fact that you've given peacekeepers for Sudan. I did 
brief you on my talks in Israel and with the Palestinians, and they were 
positive talks. And I said, I'm optimistic an agreement can be reached. 
And the reason I am is because I believe the leadership in Israel and 
the leadership of the Palestinians is committed to a two-state solution. 
And I know nations in the neighborhood are willing to help, particularly 
yourself. And I appreciate your strong, constructive support for the 
process.
    And I told the President, I'm going to stay--there's a wonder 
whether or not the American President, when he says something, whether 
he actually means it. When I say, ``I'm coming back to stay engaged,'' I 
mean it. And when I say, ``I'm optimistic we can get a deal done,'' I 
mean what I'm saying. And so I appreciate the chance to talk.
    We also talked about Lebanon, and we agree it's important for 
nations in this region to support Prime Minister Siniora. It's important 
to encourage the holding of immediate and unconditional Presidential 
elections according to the Lebanese Constitution and to make it clear to 
Syria, Iran, and their allies, they must end their interference and 
efforts to undermine the process.
    We talked--and by the way, when it came to the Israeli-Palestinian 
peace talks, I want to thank you for your support of Annapolis. It was 
important that you were there. As a matter of fact, you didn't hesitate, 
because you knew that both those parties had to have supportive people 
in the region. And I thank you very much for that.
    We spent time on Iraq. The President asked me how I thought things 
were going there. The decision to send more troops is working. Violence 
is down. Secretary Rice came back from Iraq yesterday and briefed me 
that she was able to see life returning back to the streets, where moms 
are out with their children. Normal life is coming back, and political 
life is moving.
    Mr. President, I'm sure you followed the fact that the Council of 
Representatives passed the deBa'athification law as part of an important 
reconciliation package. The Government isn't perfect, but nevertheless, 
progress is being made. And I assured you, Mr. President--I want to 
share this with the press corps--that the United States will continue to 
help the Iraqi people secure their democracy.
    I also talked about Egypt's role in the world. Egypt is an important 
nation that sends a clear signal. People watch Egypt. I appreciate very 
much the long and proud tradition that you've had for a vibrant civil 
society. I appreciate the fact that women play

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an important role in your society, Mr. President. I do so because not 
only am I'm a proud father of two young professional women; I also know 
how important it is for any vibrant society to have women involved in 
constructive and powerful ways. And I appreciate the example that your 
nation is setting.
    Progress toward greater political openness is being led by the 
Egyptians themselves, by pioneering journalists--some of whom even may 
be here--bloggers or judges insisting on independence or other strong 
civic and religious leaders who love their country and are determined to 
build a democratic future.
    Because of the predominate role you play and because I strongly 
believe that Egypt can play a role in the freedom and justice movement--
you and I have discussed the issue; you have taken steps toward economic 
openness--and I discussed that with your Prime Minister--and democratic 
reform. And my hope is that the Egyptian Government will build on these 
important steps and give the people of this proud nation a greater voice 
in your future. I think it will lead to peace, and I think it will lead 
to justice.
    Our friendship with Egypt is deep and broad. Egypt will continue to 
be a vital strategic partner of the United States. We will work together 
to build a safer and more peaceful world. And, Mr. President, I thank 
your leadership on the issue of peace and security.
    I've had a great trip. I've been impressed by the warmth and the 
energy of the people I have met. This is a dynamic part of the world 
that is seeing significant changes. I wish my fellow citizens would be 
able to come and see firsthand the vibrancy and excitement in the Middle 
East. People here are working to embrace the opportunities of a modern 
global economy and, in doing so, are not abandoning their traditions, 
their cultures, or their faith.
    This isn't easy work, as we head into the 21st century, and it's 
going to require social, economic, and political reform. And it takes 
time for people to resolve the challenges in their respective 
societies--same in my country. But I'm absolutely confident the people 
of the Middle East are working hard to build a society based upon 
justice. And I've assured them that as they make the journey, the United 
States will be a steady friend and partner.
    Thank you for your time. God bless.
    President Mubarak. Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 1:46 p.m. in the Royal Suite Garden at the 
Four Seasons Resort. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Fuad 
Siniora of Lebanon; and Prime Minister Ahmed Mohamed Nazif of Egypt. 
President Mubarak spoke partly in Arabic, and those portions of his 
remarks were translated by an interpreter.