For Immediate Release
Office of the First Lady
September 6, 2001

Mrs. Bush's Remarks at the Smithsonian's Arte Latino Exhibit in Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

Thank you. I'm thrilled to be at the Terra Museum. We just finished previewing the Smithsonian's Arte Latino Exhibit with the 35 gifted artists who contributed their works to this display, and I thank them for being here.

I am especially pleased to tour this exhibit with First Lady Marta Sahagn de Fox as part of our first visit from a head of state. This first state visit underscores the United States' strong relationship with Mexico.

President Bush and I are proud to welcome our friends from Mexico to the United States, and we look forward to building on an already strong and positive relationship. We share a great optimism for the future of our two countries.

The United States and Mexico stand on the broad shoulders of a shared history; our future rises over the same horizon, and our goals for our people are the same.

The United States and Mexico have a beautiful heritage, both together and apart from one another, and that beauty is well-captured in the Smithsonian's Arte Latino exhibit.

We're fortunate that the Smithsonian has compiled this collection for us - it's a snapshot of our life and times, and a compelling collage of our cultures, both past and present. Many thanks for putting this show on the road and for inviting us to this preview here in Chicago.

I'm delighted to be here today with my new friend, the First Lady of Mexico.

Mrs. Fox and I have a lot in common: We share a love of learning and of language.and we believe in the power of a good education to improve the quality of life for all of the citizens of our countries.

Mrs. Fox is a strong advocate for women and children who cares deeply about families in her country.and, like me, Mrs. Fox loves the beautiful expression of art in our lives and culture.

Ladies and Gentlemen, la Primera Dama de Mexico, Senora Marta Sahagn de Fox.

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