[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 7 (Monday, February 25, 2008)]
[Page 234]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a State Dinner Hosted by President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of 
Tanzania in Dar es Salaam

February 17, 2008

    President Bush. Mr. President, thank you very much, sir, for your 
gracious and warm hospitality. Madam, thank you very much. Mr. 
President, thank you for coming back from Germany today. Laura and I are 
touched. This has been a spectacular trip. It's not over, because 
tomorrow we're going to tour more of your country.
    President Kikwete. You'll be----
    President Bush. I'll be--[laughter]. But I must say that our trip 
here has exceeded my expectations. I knew you were an accomplished 
Government. After all, you've dramatically reduced malaria; you're in 
the process of dramatically reducing HIV/AIDS. My country has awarded 
you the largest Millennium Challenge grant ever in the history of our 
Nation, all because your Government is committed to honest, decent 
government for the people.
    I have been extremely touched, as has Laura, by the outpouring of 
support by the great people of Tanzania. And so, Mr. President, I too 
would like to propose a toast: To you and your family, to the people of 
Tanzania, and to our friendship, may it be long-lasting.

Note: The President spoke at 6:58 p.m. at the State House. In his 
remarks, he referred to Salma Kikwete, wife of President Kikwete. The 
transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also included 
the remarks of President Kikwete. A tape was not available for the 
verification of the content of these remarks.