On October 20, 2003, President Bush traveled to the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand to encourage increased efforts to combat security threats and promote economic growth.

"The United States . . . supports free trade because a world that trades in freedom will grow in prosperity and in security. For developing nations, free trade tied to economic reform has helped to lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. The growth of economic freedom and ownership in developing countries creates the habits of liberty and creates the pressure for democracy and political reform. Economic integration through trade can also foster political cooperation by promoting peace between nations. As free trade expands across the earth, the realm of human freedom expands with it."

President George W. Bush
September 3, 2003
White House

Photos from the Summit