PGMA's Remarks during the State Dinner hosted by H.E. Pres. George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush |
The White House Washington D.C., U.S.A. - (19 May 2003) |
| Thank you, President Bush and
Mrs. Bush. Thank you in behalf of the 80 million Filipinos for honoring our country with this state visit. The bonds between our two countries run deep. We've stood side-by-side at every crucial point in modern history -- World War the second, the cold war, Korea, Vietnam, and now, the war against terrorism. I visit you at a time of great change -- change in the way economies work; change in the way wars are fought; change in the way countries organize or disintegrate. But in two things, there must be no change -- in the way governments treat people, and in the manner by which friends stand by each other. In the first case, with care and justice; and in the second case, with courage and steadfastness. In a time of crisis, friends do not ask, why; they ask, how. The Philippines and America are friends. To guide our friendship in the 21st century, our meeting today was essential, so that we can develop a strategic framework for this century based on mutual respect and mutual help. Our talks focused on stopping terrorism, fighting poverty, and undertaking economic reform on both sides. Meaning, offering more markets to each other, and less resistance to mutual trade and investment. My fundamental concern in the Philippines is the need to lick mass poverty. Central to this concern is the task of building a strong republic. A republic able to keep crime and terrorism totally at bay; a republic free from vested and corrupt interests that subvert free markets; a strong republic empowered to execute good policy and provide essential services to all our people. In this task, we value America as a partner. A partner in our common desire to create the kind of world in which we want both our countries to exist -- a world of progress and ever-widening prosperity; a world of justice, freedom and peace. These are within the grasp of modern economies and modern technology, and men and women of firm resolve and goodwill. And how do we define a man or a woman of firm resolve and goodwill? It was once thought difficult to take a firm stand against tyranny, and nearly impossible to cope with terrorism. Now, the world knows better especially after march 20th. Indeed, it's not easy but clearly it can be done, with fearless leadership and iron resolve, combined with a bold strategic vision and an unfailing sense of justice. I'm describing President Bush. Only a strong and steadfast partnership, such as that between our two countries, can respond to the manifold threats and challenges that the world working towards freedom and prosperity must face. I hope ever more countries join this partnership. Two are better than one. Three are harder to break. Four and more, nothing can prevail against them. On that note of hope for an ever-widening partnership of the good to complete the greater task of the coalition of the willing. I invite you all to join me in a toast for the continued success and good health of President and Mrs. Bush, and the relations between our two countries. Mabuhay ! |