[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 41 (Monday, October 20, 2008)]
[Pages 1338-1339]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Welcoming Ceremony for Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of 
Italy

October 13, 2008

    Buongiorno. [Laughter] Fellow citizens, distinguished guests, thank 
you all for being here as we receive a wonderful visitor, the Prime 
Minister of the Italian Republic, Silvio Berlusconi. He is a man of 
accomplishment, a statesman from a great nation, and a warm friend of 
the United States. Mr. Prime Minister, you honor us with your visit, and 
Laura and I are so pleased to have you come to the White House on 
Columbus Day.
    On this national holiday, America remembers the explorer from Genoa, 
who led a fleet of three tiny ships on a great journey of discovery. 
Christopher Columbus earned his place in history by introducing the Old 
World to the New. And in the story of his life, Americans see qualities 
that are so much a part of our nation: the vision to take a risk and to 
explore the unknown; the courage to persevere through difficulty; and 
the optimism to greet every new day with confidence and joy.
    Italy is rightly proud of Christopher Columbus. And America is proud 
that so many other Italians have journeyed across the Atlantic and made 
this land their home. Generations of Italian immigrants have 
strengthened America with their own traditions of faith in God, pride in 
family, devotion to country, and love of life. In more ways than can be 
counted, the United States is a better place for the influence of the 
sons and daughters of Italy.
    With the visit today of Prime Minister Berlusconi, we reaffirm the 
close and trusting friendship between our two countries. For more than 
six decades, America and Italy have been partners in the work of freedom 
and progress. We look to the future with confidence.
    Together we have worked to build a strong transatlantic alliance 
that helps guard the lives and liberty of our peoples. We know that 
further growth of NATO will serve the interest of all who cherish 
freedom, security, and peace.
    Together we're standing firm against the forces of brutality and 
instability in our world. Our countries and other peaceful nations have 
been targeted by terrorists. We will fight those enemies until they are 
defeated. Our security is threatened by the proliferation of deadly 
technologies, and we're acting to remove that danger. Civilization is 
challenged by extremist ideologies with a will to power, and we are 
determined to overcome hatred and intolerance with the values of decency 
and justice and democracy.
    Together we are giving support to rising democracies and defending 
the innocent against the violent. Italy has shown that commitment by 
deploying forces to the NATO mission in Afghanistan and by leading NATO 
training operations in Iraq. Italian forces are also serving the cause 
of peace and stability in Lebanon and Kosovo and Bosnia. And, Mr. Prime 
Minister, America is proud to be your ally in missions that will bring 
forth a better and a safer world.
    As allies and friends, the United States and Italy have formed 
strong bonds of commerce and understanding. By our commitment to free 
markets and the spirit of enterprise, we've helped ourselves and others 
to succeed and prosper. And in these times of economic turmoil, we're 
working with other governments to resolve the troubles of the financial 
markets. Just this weekend, I met with the Finance Minister of Italy and 
his counterparts from the G-7 and G-20 nations. All of us will continue 
taking responsible, decisive action to restore credit and stability and 
return to vigorous growth.
    Despite many challenges, the United States and Italy know that we 
are very fortunate countries. We count our blessings, and we share a 
belief that material wealth brings responsibilities. So we've joined 
with other industrial powers to fight hunger and disease in Africa and 
to promote the development that can lift nations out of poverty and 
despair. We have been generous, and we've given new hope to millions who 
suffer. We will not grow tired in the cause of progress and human rights 
and human dignity.
    At this crucial time in history, with so much yet to do, relations 
between the United States and Italy are superb. There's a genuine 
respect between our peoples, and Prime Minister Berlusconi and I have 
shared that respect in all our dealings. In these years,

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I have deeply appreciated his friendship and his wisdom. The Prime 
Minister is a man of sincerity and principle, who speaks his mind and 
keeps his word. And because of his high spirits and boundless optimism, 
it is always good to see him and to spend time with him.
    So on this beautiful Columbus Day, Laura and I are proud to greet 
him on behalf of our whole Nation. Mr. Prime Minister, mio caro amico, 
benvenuto--my dear friend, welcome to the United States.

Note: The President spoke at 9:17 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House, where Prime Minister Berlusconi was accorded a formal welcome 
with full military honors. In his remarks, he referred to Minister of 
Economy and Finance Giulio Tremonti of Italy. The transcript released by 
the Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of Prime 
Minister Berlusconi.