[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.