The White House, President George W. Bush Click to print this document

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 30, 2006

President Bush and Prime Minister Koizumi Participate in Photo-Op with Mrs. Bush, Priscilla Presley, and Lisa Marie Presley
Graceland
Memphis, Tennessee

video screen capture
multimedia

Mrs. Bush's Remarks
video image

     Fact sheet Visit by Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi

10:38 A.M. CDT

PRESIDENT BUSH: It is such a joy to be here to Graceland. It's my first visit.

PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: My first visit, too.

PRESIDENT BUSH: The Prime Minister's first visit.

PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: It's like a dream, with President Bush and Presley's daughter.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you all for greeting us. You're awfully kind to be here.

PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: You look like Elvis.

MS. LISA MARIE PRESLEY: (Speaks Japanese.)

PRESIDENT BUSH: The visit here is an indication of how well-known Elvis was around the world. A lot of people are still singing Elvis Presley songs here in the states and there's a lot of people who love Elvis Presley in Japan, including the Prime Minister. This visit is also a way of reminding us about the close friendship between our peoples.

And, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for agreeing to come here. A lot of Americans are thrilled you're here, particularly at Graceland. It means a lot to our country that you would be that interested in one of America's icons, Elvis Presley.

PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: My birthday is the same as Elvis.

PRESIDENT BUSH: You and Elvis were born on the same day?

PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: January 8th.

PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: Even now, I often listen to Elvis CDs.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Still listen to Elvis CDs?

PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: Sure.

PRESIDENT BUSH: You're a pretty good Elvis singer.

PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: I'm not impersonator. (Sings Elvis songs.)

PRESIDENT BUSH: I thought you were going to do "Blue Suede Shoes." Thank you.

END 10:40 A.M. CDT


Return to this article at:
/news/releases/2006/06/20060630-11.html

Click to print this document