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Home , Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Oct. 18 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2003

NOTE: The address was recorded at 8:25 a.m. embargoed for release until the broadcast. on October 16 in Riverside, CA, for broad- The Office of the Press Secretary also re- cast at 10:06 a.m. on October 18. The tran- leased a transcript of this script was made available by the Office of address. the Press Secretary on October 17 but was

Remarks Following Discussions With President Gloria -Arroyo of the and an Exchange With Reporters in Manila, Philippines October 18, 2003

President Macapagal-Arroyo. I’d like to unshakable resolve to defeat it once and thank President Bush for coming to the for all. Philippines on this state visit. It affirms the I thank President Bush for continued se- warm and deep relations between our two curity assistance which enhances the means countries. It’s another building block in the to defeat terrorism. I also appreciate the revitalized and maturing alliance, rooted in help of President Bush for increased eco- shared histories and shared values, a com- nomic assistance to alleviate poverty and mon interest in global peace and prosperity, other socio-economic ills from which ter- as well as a real commitment of combating rorism draws its strength. I take pride in terrorism and advancing freedom. the robust economic ties that bind the Phil- I’d like to take this opportunity to thank ippines and the United States. the United States for its support for the This past week, in preparation for this Philippines as a nonpermanent member of visit, we witnessed the launching in the the Security Council for the term 2004 to Philippines of Convergys, the largest cus- 2005 and also for designating the Phil- tomer care service company in the world, ippines as a major non-NATO ally. which is hiring 3,000 workers in its first I also welcome the Joint Defense Assess- year of operation. We also witnessed the ment named by our respective defense launching of a new $50 million investment agencies. It recognizes that the world today of Ford to launch the Philippines as an requires a new perspective on political and export hub for the world. We received $33 economic security. The assessment recog- million of new USAID money for edu- nizes the determination of the Philippines cational assistance in the conflict-affected to take greater responsibility for its own areas, and we celebrated the electrification political and economic security, even as it of 1,650 barangays with a contribution of acknowledges that strong relations with the one million pesos per barangay from U.S. will contribute greatly to peace and Mirant, CalEnergy, and San Roque, all in prosperity, stability and security, especially preparation for your visit, Mr. President. from terrorism. Indeed, we must close I look forward to the rest of my talks ranks and stand firm against terrorist with President Bush and the officials of threats, however grave, however armed, his administration. Once again, thank you, and from whatever quarter. Mr. President, and thanks to Mrs. Bush When those violence happened in May for making this state visit to the Philippines. 2001, the Philippines chose to fight ter- President Bush. Madam President, rorism, compensating for such modest thanks. It’s been a—this is going to be a means that it commands with an

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great trip, thanks to your wonderful hospi- President Macapagal-Arroyo. Thank you. tality. I want to thank you and your Gov- President Bush. If it’s all right, we’ve got, ernment for such wonderful arrangements. obviously, some anxiety built up in our And I want to thank the people of Manila press corps there—[laughter]. for being so friendly to Laura and me as Q. Mr. President—— we drove through the streets. There was President Bush. Yes. Speaking about anx- an outpouring of enthusiasm and waving iety, yes—[laughter]—the dean of the trav- that really made us feel great, and we want eling crowd here. to thank your country very much. I’m here to continue our important dis- Terrorist Threat in the Philippines cussions. And I want to remind the people Q. How serious do you think the ter- of this country what a great leader you’ve rorism threat is here in the Philippines? been when it comes to fighting terror. And what specifically can you do to help You’ve been strong and stalwart, and that’s President Arroyo deal with it? what’s needed. The terrorists want to President Bush. Well, I think the Abu frighten people into inaction. They want Sayyaf is serious. It’s serious because there to create fear and, therefore, have their are no rules when it comes to a crowd way. And you have been strong, and I ap- like the . They kidnap. They preciate that very much. We want to con- kill. They maim. And there’s only one way tinue to help you. to deal with them, and that’s to find them And I also want to thank you for your and to bring them to justice, which is pre- vision of understanding that freedom is im- cisely what the Arroyo Government has portant. It’s a human right, and where been doing. there’s human suffering and tyranny, that— I was briefed before you all came in at the same time, terrorist links—the free about the progress made against the Abu world must work to change conditions, Sayyaf group. Not only has the leadership hopefully in peaceful ways. But sometimes been slowly but surely brought to justice, tyranny is so stubborn and ignores the re- but many members of the Abu Sayyaf have ality that we have to take tough decisions. been brought to justice. And Mr. President, you understand that, The best thing we can continue to do and I want to thank you very much for within our respective constitutions and/or that. budgets is to work in a close, cooperative I also want to continue to work on close way, starting with intelligence sharing and ties, particularly when it comes to trade then providing the assets and the capacity and jobs. We want the people of the Phil- and training to move quickly when a par- ippines working, and we want the people ticular target is found. The cooperation be- of America working. And by having good tween the United States and the Phil- free trade and fair trade, we can help both ippines is strong. The success against this countries. particular group is a model for the region, And finally, I want to thank you very as far as I’m concerned, and I want to much for working together on matters of thank the President for that. education. We’ve got a great education ini- President Macapagal-Arroyo. Thank you. tiative, and you recognize, like I recognize, that education is the best way to fight pov- APEC Summit Agenda erty. And therefore, education is also a Q. Mr. President, you’re trying to put great way to enhance democracy. security on the agenda at APEC. Do you Thank you for your leadership. Thanks think some leaders of this region, some for your hospitality. I’m looking forward to countries are not doing enough to crack the rest of the day in this beautiful country. down on terrorism?

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President Bush. No, I think security is there will be any major inflow of contribu- on the agenda. What I’m trying to do and tions, troops, and money, as a result of will do is to remind people that the war this. Do you think that’s a realistic outlook on terror goes on. See, the easiest thing on things? to do is to think the is over President Bush. Well, first, let me thank with. It’s certainly the most comfortable ap- those countries for their vote at the U.N. proach. And I just will remind people that, That was a very important vote. And as in view of the United States, that the a matter of fact, the first thing that the United States is still threatened and our President and I discussed, and the first friends are threatened, and therefore, we thing that Prime Minister Koizumi and I must continue to cooperate and work. And discussed was the vote at the U.N. It’s im- the good news is that I don’t have to con- portant for these countries around the vince Madam President of that. She under- world to see the U.N. act the way the U.N. stands that as well as anybody in the region. acted in a 15 to nothing U.N. Security We’ll also, of course, talk about jobs. And Council resolution vote. It was a strong I want our people working, and I know vote. the President wants the people of the Phil- And as to whether or not they’ll partici- ippines working. And trade is important. pate, time will tell. But I—take, for exam- It’s an important way to lift lives on both ple, Germany. Germany is participating in sides of the Pacific. But it’s also important the aftermath of certain battles in the war to have free—fair trade. In other words, on terror. And that is in Afghanistan; we want the trade to be—markets to be they’re making a very serious, important equally open. And that’s an important con- contribution. And for that we are very versation that I will have with the members grateful. And there will be other ways for of APEC. nations to contribute in the overall war on And the other thing, of course, is a terror. chance to renew friendships and to be able And I’m pleased with the progress we to kind of continue discussions that I had are making in Iraq. The President and I been having in the past. The President and discussed that progress, and it’s measurable I, gosh, we’ve talked a lot. We’ve met a progress. For example, we had a goal of lot, and we’ve talked a lot. These meetings 1,000 schools to open after the end of the are important ways to keep our friendships conflict, and it wasn’t 1,000 schools that going and to keep our common interests were refurbished and opened, but it was alive. 1,500—1,500 schools. And the electricity is Q. Mr. President—— coming on, and the water is more pure. President Bush. Stretch [Richard Keil, And I can cite a series of examples where Bloomberg News]. We call him Stretch. life is improving for the Iraqi citizen. [Laughter] It is still a dangerous place because there President Macapagal-Arroyo. I can see are still haters and thugs and terrorists who why. [Laughter] are willing to take innocent life. And the reason why is, is because they want Amer- U.N. Security Council Resolution on Iraq ica to leave. They want to create the condi- Q. You got a resolution through the U.N. tions of fear, and therefore, we’ll say, this week, but some of the countries that ‘‘Well, we’ve had enough.’’ But we’re not opposed the war, going back to last year, leaving. See, we’re not leaving until we France, Germany, Russia, still haven’t come complete the task. forward with any contributions. Do you And I am pleased with progress. And think this—and some members of your ad- one of the President’s ministers was there, ministration cautioned us against assuming talking about education matters and the

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need for us to continue to work together All right, thank you all. to improve the lives of the Iraqi citizens, and we will. It’s in our interest that Iraq NOTE: President Macapagal-Arroyo spoke at be free and peaceful. It will help change approximately 2:30 p.m. at Malacanang Pal- the world. ace. In his remarks, President Bush referred And I want to thank the President for to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of her strong support. There are Philippine . Portions of these remarks could not citizens there today. be verified because the tape was incomplete.

Remarks to a Joint Session of the Philippine Congress in City, Philippines October 18, 2003

Thank you all very much. Thank you. loss and shared victory. Veterans of those Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of battles are here today. I salute your courage the Congress, distinguished guests, I thank and your service. Along the way and you for your gracious welcome to the Re- through the years, Americans have gained public of the Philippines. I also want to an abiding respect for the character of your thank the citizens of Manila who lined the nation and for the decency and courage streets today for their warm and gracious of the Filipino people. welcome to Laura and me. It warmed our The Pacific is wide, but it does not di- hearts. And I want to thank you for inviting vide us. Over 2 million American citizens me to be the first American President since trace their ancestry to these islands. The Dwight Eisenhower to address this body. commerce between us is vibrant and grow- Earlier this year, Laura and I hosted ing. We work together each day in law President and Attorney Arroyo at the White enforcement and economic development House, the first state visit from an Asian and government reform. Our young people country during my administration. Today study at each other’s universities. Many we are honored to visit America’s oldest teach in American public schools. ally in Asia and one of America’s most val- And just this week, our two Governments ued friends in the world. launched a 6-year effort to extend greater The great patriot Jose said that na- educational opportunities to children in tions win their freedom by deserving it, some of the poorest regions of this country. by loving what is just, what is good, what We understand—we both know that edu- is great to the point of dying for it. In cation helps defeat poverty. the 107 years since that good man’s heroic The United States and the Philippines death, Filipinos have fought for justice; you are warm friends. We cherish that friend- have sacrificed for democracy; you have ship, and we will keep it strong. Our coun- earned your freedom. tries are joined by more than a market, America is proud of its part in the great even more than an alliance. This friendship story of the Filipino people. Together our is rooted in the deepest convictions we soldiers liberated the Philippines from colo- hold. We believe in free enterprise, dis- nial rule. Together we rescued the islands ciplined by humanity and compassion. We from invasion and occupation. The names believe in the importance of religious faith, of Bataan, Corregidor, Leyte, evoke protected by religious liberty. We believe the memories of shared struggle and shared in the rule of law, made legitimate by the

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