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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

President George W. Bush and Philippine president Gloria Arroyo review troops during a welcoming ceremony at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003. White House photo by Paul Morse. President George W. Bush greets Thai troops after his remarks at the Royal Thai Army Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003. White House photo by Paul Morse. President George W. Bush and South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun meet for a working breakfast in Bangkok, Thailand, Oct. 20, 2003. White House photo by Paul Morse.
President George W. Bush attends the APEC leaders retreat at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Oct. 20, 2003. President Bush came to the APEC Leaders Meeting to encourage increased efforts to combat security threats and promote economic growth. President George W. Bush chats with Chilean President Ricardo Lagos at the APEC leaders retreat at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Oct. 20, 2003. President George W. Bush, Philippine President Gloria Arroyo and Laura Bush greet school children during a welcoming ceremony at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003. White House photo by Paul Morse.
Press Releases and Speeches
October 22, 2003
U.S. - Indonesia Joint Statement
October 22, 2003
President Bush's Remarks with Indonesian President
October 21, 2003
President Bush Remarks with Singapore PM.
October 21, 2003
U.S. - Singapore Joint Statement
October 20, 2003
Background Briefing
October 20, 2003
U.S. - South Korea Joint Statement
October 20, 2003
Dr. Rice Briefing on President's Bilateral Meetings
October 20, 2003
President Bush's Remarks with South Korean President Roh
October 19, 2003
Background Briefing on Meeting with Chinese President
October 19, 2003
President Bush's Remarks with President of China


Fact Sheets
Health Security
Counterterrorism
Energy Security Initiative
Digital Freedom Initiative
Commitments on Security
U.S. Accomplishments: Day Two
Improving Transparency and Fighting Corruption
U.S. Actions at the APEC Summit: Day One
Thailand Free Trade Agreement Negotiations