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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 12, 2007
President Bush and President Berger of Guatemala Participate in Arrival Ceremony
Patio de la Paz
The National Palace
Guatemala City, Guatemala
President's Trip to Latin America
1:55 P.M. (Local)
PRESIDENT BERGER: (As translated.) Dear friends, welcome all. On behalf
of my government, and on behalf of the people of Guatemala, I am pleased
to welcome President George W. Bush, his wife, and his distinguished
delegation in our country.
We celebrate that President Bush decided to include Guatemala in his
tour throughout Latin America. We welcome you with affection in this
multiethnic and plural-lingual country, where many cultures live
together, where the strong features of modernity, and where, after a
lengthy and painful conflict that divided us during 14 years, we are,
with determination, following the path of reconciliation, in search for
building a plural, democratic, tolerant and participatory society.
Our historic relationship with the United States of America, at times
troubled, date far back. We are pleased to confirm that in recent
decades this relationship matured, and is today characterized by further
interactions that are respectful and broad in scope.
We share values, including, of course, representative democracy and
social justice. We also share interests that through last year with the
entry into force of the free trade agreement between the Central
American countries and the Dominican Republic on the one hand, and the
United States of America on the other hand.
And we would be remiss if we do not recall that at present it is
estimated that approximately 10 percent of our population lives in the
United States of America. Upon the integration of the labor markets of
both nations *
As is the case in every mature relationship, once in a while differences
of opinion arise. For example, with regard to the issue of migrants, and
particularly those who have been deported without clear justification.
But as is also the case in every mature relationship, what brings us
together exceeds by far those differences. We value that relationship,
and we shall make efforts in order to enhance and extend it, as we shall
make efforts to address the differences that we find between us with a
constructive spirit.
We shall take advantage of our conversations today, that will take place
within a framework of cordiality and openness, to address topics of
mutual interest -- fighting poverty, respect for human rights, and a
frontal fight against organized crime, as well as Central America's
economic integration. We shall also review the strengths and weaknesses
of our own evolution since the signature of our peace accord.
I finish by reiterating our recognition to President Bush for his
persistence in having been able to put forth the free trade agreement,
and also for his initiative to promote an integrated migratory reform,
that we trust will culminate with your approval, Mr. President. These
two initiatives will certainly contribute to bring our two nations even
closer together.
Once again, President Bush, First Lady, Madam Laura Bush, and members of
your delegation, welcome to Guatemala. (Applause.)
PRESIDENT BUSH: Senor Presidente, gracias por su bienvenidos a este
pais, pais bella. I thank you and the First Lady for treating Laura and
me with such grand hospitality. This is my first official visit to
Guatemala, and we thank the people of this country for their magnificent
hospitality.
I'm honored to stand in the historic courtyard where the 1996 peace
accords were signed. The accords mark the end of 36 years of internal
conflict, and the beginning of a more hopeful future for Guatemala.
Guatemala is a proud country with a rich culture. This morning, Laura
and I toured the highlands where the ancient Mayans built a great
civilization many centuries ago. This beautiful land is now the home of
Central America's largest democracy. You've built a diverse and vibrant
nation, and the people of the United States admire your determination
and your resilience.
Our two countries share many values. We both believe good governments
must be accountable to the people they serve and subject to the rule of
law. We both believe free enterprise and hard work help lead to
prosperity, and we both believe our nations have a responsibility to
spread opportunity and advance the cause of social justice.
The United States and Guatemala are partners in this important work.
We're working together to improve access to education and health care to
give Guatemalans a safe and legal path to jobs in the United States, and
to lift millions of people out of poverty by expanding trade. The ties
between our two countries have never been stronger or more important.
Mr. President, Laura and I appreciate the invitation to visit your
country. We appreciate the time we spent with you and your very
accomplished wife. You're a man of vision and courage. You understand
that real leadership requires making tough choices that serve your
nation well in the long-term.
I appreciate your unwavering commitment to your people, Mr. President,
and I look forward to working with you to build a better future for both
our countries.
Muchas gracias, mi amigo. (Applause.)
END 1:17 P.M. (Local)
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