    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 47 (Monday, December 1, 2008)]
    [Page 1447]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada
    in Lima, Peru

    November 22, 2008

        President Bush. I'm pleased to be with a good friend and a strong
    leader, Prime Minister Stephen Harper. It's been a joy to work with him,
    and we've accomplished a lot together. Relations between the United
    States and Canada are strong, sometimes complicated, but nevertheless
    based on common values. I appreciate your candor, your strength of
    character, and your consistent philosophy. So I'm looking forward to
    good discussions. I'm looking forward to this APEC; I think it's very
    important for us to continue to work together during this time of
    economic turmoil.
        I want to thank you for coming to Washington last weekend and thank
    you for your solid contributions--[inaudible].
        Prime Minister Harper. Well, I appreciate that, Mr. President, and
    I've appreciated the candor of our relationship; I've appreciated your
    openness. We've had many things we've agreed on and a few we haven't,
    but you've always been willing to listen. And Laureen and I certainly
    wish Laura and you all the best if I don't see you again before the 20th
    of January.
        President Bush. Before forced retirement. [Laughter]

    Note: The President spoke at 8:17 a.m. at the JW Marriott Hotel Lima.
    Prime Minister Harper referred to his wife, Laureen Harper.