Remarks by President Bush and President Lee Myung-Bak of the Republic of Korea Prior to Meeting
SEOUL, Republic of Korea--(Business Wire)--
Blue House
9:46 A.M. (Local)
PRESIDENT LEE: Mr. President, Mrs. Bush, as well as your lovely
daughter, Barbara Bush, I would like to welcome you from the bottom of
our hearts. Yes, well, Mr. President, the majority of the Korean
people have been eagerly waiting for your visit to Korea this time,
and as you saw yesterday, there were many people who gathered together
to welcome your visit to Korea.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you.
PRESIDENT LEE: And also, Mr. President, yesterday, in the lawn in
front of the Seoul City Hall, there were many people gathered there,
thousands of people gathered, who came together to pray, not only for
your visit, but also for the future of the Korea-U.S. relationship, as
well.
And, of course, behind those people, there were those who were
sort of opposed. (Laughter.) However, the number was minimal, sir.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you.
PRESIDENT LEE: Yes, well, Mr. President, I don't need to reiterate
the fact that Korea and the United States, we are traditional allies
and friends for many, many years. And also it's been only a little
over five months since I assumed the presidency, but today is already
our third meeting, Mr. President. So, officially, but as well as
personally, I have deep friendship for you, and for the people of
America, and I believe in the future of the Korea-U.S. relationship.
And as you said, Mr. President, the weather today is beautiful. We
had rain coming, traditional rain coming up until about two days ago.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you, Mr. President. Laura and I are
delighted to be with you and Mrs. Kim again. Ours is a vital
relationship. And our three meetings will only strengthen the
relationship. I admire your forthrightness, your integrity, and your
deep love for the people of Korea.
And I enjoy coming to a free society, where people are able to
express their opinions. And your country is a free society.
(Laughter.) So thank you. I'm looking forward to our conversations.
Thank you, sir.
END 9:50 A.M. (Local)
White House Press Office
1-202-456-2580
Copyright Business Wire 2008
