President and Mrs. Bush Paid visit to Mongolia

President of the United States of America and Mrs. Bush paid official visit to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on Monday, November 21, 2006 by receiving an invitation of Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar. In Mongolia, the President and Mrs. Bush, the first trip of a sitting U.S. President to Mongolia was greeted with an arrival ceremony an honor guard at Government House, and then the President Bush met with the President of Mongolia N.Enkhbayar having official talks, and following that, with the Prime Minister Ts. Elbegdorj. That afternoon, the President Bush delivered remarks at Mongolian Government House. And following those remarks, the President and Mrs.Bush visited to the Ger of herder Bandi in Tev province. President and Mrs. Bush were invited to the performance of Mongolian traditional and folk performance at the Ikh Tenger complex. President Bush was accompanied by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Stephen Hadley, Deputy Chief of Staff J. Hagin, Assistant to the President and Press Secretary Scott McClellan, Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Christofer Hill, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director of Asian Affairs, NCS Michael Green and other high ranking officials.

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA

Conference Hall Government House Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

2:13 P.M. (Local)

THE PRESIDENT: Amar bain uu? (Applause.) Thanks for the warm welcome. And, Mr. President, thank you for your hospitality. I thank you, the Prime Minister, and the government for such gracious hospitality. I want to thank the First Lady for being so kind to Laura. It is really, really an honor to be here in your great country. And we bring with us the good wishes of the American people.

I'm here on an important international mission. Secretary Rumsfeld asked me to check on his horse. (Laughter.) I feel very much at home here in your country. This is a beautiful land, with huge skies and vast horizons -- kind of like Texas. (Applause.) I thank you for the invitation. I'm honored to be the first sitting American President to visit Mongolia, and America is proud to call you the third neighbor. (Applause.)

Fifteen years ago, Mongolians gathered outside this great hall by the thousands, braving sub-zero temperatures and defying a repressive regime, to demand their liberty. The protesters included students and workers and monks, and a group of young democrats on a hunger strike. By the force of their convictions, they drove the communist leadership from power. Within months, free elections were held, and a free Mongolia was born. And today, one of the young hunger strikers who stood vigil outside the building now serves as the Prime Minister of your great nation. (Applause.)

Mongolia has made the transition from communism to freedom, and in just 15 years, you've established a vibrant democracy and opened up your economy. You're an example of success for this region and for the world. I know the transition to liberty has not always been easy and Americans admire your patience and your determination. By your daily efforts, you're building a better life for your children and your grandchildren. And I've come to tell you, as you build a free society in the heart of Central Asia, the American people stand with you. (Applause.)

Earlier this year, when a terrible hurricane struck my nation's Gulf Coast, the Mongolian people stood with us. Even before the flood waters had fully receded, your government pledged aid, and a group of business leaders in Mongolia raised additional money. These funds are helping to rebuild shattered lives in my country. In a time of tragedy for America, Mongolia showed her compassionate heart, and my country thanks you for your support and friendship. (Applause.)

Americans and Mongolians have much in common. Both our nations were settled by pioneers on a horseback, who tamed the rugged plains. Both our nations shook the yoke of colonial rule, and built successful free societies. And both our nations know that our responsibilities in freedom's cause do not end at our borders, and that survival of liberty in our own lands increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands.

This conviction has inspired the Mongolian people to share the hope of freedom with others who have not known it. Mongolian officers have served in missions to keep the peace in Western Sahara and the Congo. Your forces are serving alongside U.S. and coalition forces helping to train the Armed Forces of a free Afghanistan. And in September, Mongolia sent its fifth rotation of forces to Iraq and Mongolian soldiers are serving in that country with courage and great distinction. (Applause.)

Two Mongolian soldiers named Sergeants Azzaya and Sambuu-Yondon are here with us today risked their lives to stop a suicide bomber who was trying to drive a truck full of explosives into a coalition mess tent. As the truck hurtled towards them, they opened fire killing the terrorist and saving countless lives. As Commander-in-Chief of the United States Armed Forces, I thank these brave Mongolian soldiers, and all who have served on the front lines of the war on terror. (Applause.) The Mongolian Armed Forces are serving the cause of freedom and the United States Armed Forces are proud to serve beside such fearless warriors.

In Iraq, Mongolian forces have helped make possible a stunning transformation. Earlier this year, Iraqis went to the polls and chose their leaders in free elections. Last month, they returned to the polls and approved a democratic constitution for a free Iraq. And in a few weeks time, Iraqis will vote once again to choose a fully constitutional government to lead them for the next four years. With their ballots, the Iraqi people are sending a clear message: There will be no return to the days of tyranny and terror; the future of Iraq belongs to freedom. (Applause.)

Many of you can still recall the exhilaration of voting freely for the first time after decades of tyranny. You know the satisfaction of seeing leaders you chose take office -- and of seeing them leave office if you decide to replace them. You know the feeling of living under a constitution that guarantees personal liberties like free speech, free assembly, and equality before the law. And now, because of the courage of Mongolian and coalition forces, the people of Iraq know this feeling, as well.

In Iraq, the advance of freedom is opposed by determined adversaries, the followers of a murderous ideology, who exploit the religion of Islam to serve a violent political vision. They kill the innocent in pursuit of a totalitarian empire that denies all political and religious freedom. Like the ideology of communism, the ideology of Islamic radicalism is led by a self-appointed vanguard that presumes to speak for the masses. Like the ideology of communism, Islamic radicalism teaches the innocent can be murdered to serve their brutal aims. Like the ideology of communism, Islamic radicalism is dismissive of free peoples, claiming that men and women who live in liberty are weak and decadent. And like the ideology of communism, the ideology of Islamic radicalism is destined to fall because the will to power is no match for the universal desire to live in liberty. (Applause.)

Free people did not falter in the Cold War, and free people will not falter in the war on terror. (Applause.) We see the determination to live in freedom in the courage of Iraqi and Afghan citizens who defied the terrorists to cast their ballots. We see it in the bravery of ordinary Lebanese who waved cedar flags and drove an occupying power from their borders. And we've seen it in the daily courage of the Mongolian people who claimed their freedom 15 years ago, and are now standing with others across the world to help them do the same.

As you help others secure the blessings of liberty, you continue the work of building a free society here at home, and as you travel this path, the United States walks with you. (Applause.) Earlier this year, I announced a new Solidarity Initiative to provide financial assistance to nations like Mongolia that are standing with America in the war on terror. Mongolia will receive $11 million under this initiative, critical funds to help you improve your military forces, so we can continue working together for the cause of peace and freedom.

Mongolia has undertaken political and economic reforms. You have now held numerous free elections and two peaceful transitions of power from one party to another, which is a sign of a successful democracy. This year, Mongolia ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption, and I urge your parliament to pass the anti-corruption legislation needed to implement that treaty. After decades of centralization, you privatized more than 80 percent of Mongolia's state enterprises, and the Mongolian economy grew at a
rate of more than 10 percent last year.

In recognition of your progress, Mongolia has been named a country eligible for assistance under the Millennium Challenge Account, a new program the United States has established to assist countries that govern justly, invest in their people, and promote economic freedom. My administration is committed to working with your country to complete a Millennium Challenge compact as soon as possible and to help the Mongolian people continue on the path of reform. (Applause.)

Next year, your country will celebrate the 800th anniversary of the founding of Mongolia. There's a legend of a Mongolian woman who gave each of her five sons an arrow. She told each to break the arrow in his hand, which they did. She then tied the five arrows together, and told each to try and break the bundle. None could do it. And she told them, brothers who stand alone, like single arrow shafts, can be broken by anyone; but brothers who stand together, like a bundle of arrows, cannot be broken. Today, Mongolia and the United States are standing together as brothers in the cause of freedom. (Applause.) And if free nations remain united, no force of tyranny or terror will break us.

I've come here to thank you for your contributions to freedom's cause and to tell you that the American people appreciate your courage and value your friendship. And on behalf of all Americans, ikh bayarlalaa. (Applause.) And may God bless your wonderful country. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

END 2:25 P.M. (Local)

The U.S. President George W. Bush paid an official visit to Mongolia on November 21, 2005 .
Mongolia warmly welcomed the President Bush and First Lady , Laura Bush to the Land of Blue Sky . President Bush met with President N. Enkhbayar and Prime Minister Ts.Elbegdorj. President Bush addressed Mongolian people at the Conference Hall of Mongolian Government house .
A joint statement was signed by the US President George W. Bush and his Mongolian counterpart Nambaryn Enkhbayar. during this visit .

The President Mr. Bush thanked the Government and the people of Mongolia on behalf of the American people for rendering a financial aid to the victims of the Katrina hurricane. He congratulated the Mongolian people for becoming eligible for a financial aid to be granted from the Millennium Challenge Account. The two Presidents highly valued Mongolia s ratification of the UN Anti-Corruption Convention regarding the significance of strengthening democracy, forming the state liability system, and providing good governance. The two men discussed measures being carried out within the scope of the General Agreement on Trade and Investment to support the bilateral trade and investment. They hope these measures will make more contribution to strengthening the bilateral economic and trade relations. The two Presidents unanimously pointed out the importance of defining the principles of comprehensive partnership , developing the bilateral and multilateral collaboration . The United States appreciated Mongolia s support in its military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Mongolia sent more than 800 soldiers to Iraq and Afghanistan.

President Bush and his team greeted by ordinary Mongolian nomadic herdsman’s family , toured cultural performances .

Wilson Highlights President Bush's Visit to APEC

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) made the following statement on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives:

"Mr. Speaker, next week, President Bush will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Busan, Korea with representatives from twenty-one other member governments.

"His attendance at this forum will highlight the significance of the APEC region, which now accounts for nearly 40% of the world's population, over half of world trade, approximately 60% of the world's gross domestic product, and creates millions of American jobs.

"By discussing his efforts to maintain a robust trade, security, and global health agenda, President Bush will strengthen our valuable partnership with APEC countries.

"As co-chair of the Mongolia Caucus, I am particularly proud that President Bush will be the first American President ever to visit the 800 year old nation of Mongolia, a true ally in the Global War on Terrorism. Mongolia has troops courageously serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The President's visit will be a fitting way to express our sincere appreciation for Mongolia's service.

"In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11th.”

Press Briefing by National Security Adviser Steve Hadley

National Security Adviser Steve Hadley briefed about President Bush’s trip to Asia to the journalists on November 11, 2005. During the press briefing Mr. Hadley informed the importance of this trip and agenda in every country including Mongolia as following.

On Monday, November 14th, the President and Mrs. Bush will depart for Asia. They’ll be traveling to Japan, South Korea, China and Mongolia. The President is traveling to Asia to advance the interests of American workers, businesses and entrepreneurs by seeking expanded trade and economic opportunity, energy security and international property rights protection. And he will be discussing all these topics on the trip. He's also seeking to advance cooperation on international security challenges, including the war on terror, health preparedness and regional security issues. And finally, he is traveling to advance his agenda -- the freedom agenda, including human rights and democracy. The President's trip to Asia comes at a time when our relations with nations of the region have rarely been stronger. During the trip, President Bush will reaffirm the importance of, and his commitment to those relationships. He will thank his counterparts for their efforts to defeat terror, and he will look to make progress on regional economic issues that are in the interests of the American people. The APEC nations are strong proponents of expanding trade. And the President will discuss the upcoming Doha Round of global trade negotiations at the APEC ministerial, but he will also be addressing bilateral trade issues as he visits with the individual leaders in the region.

The morning of Monday, November 21, the President and Mrs. Bush will participate in an embassy event in Beijing. Following that event, they will depart China en route to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The President's visit there will be the first trip of a sitting U.S. President to Mongolia. Mongolia has deployed troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, and President Bush will thank Mongolian leaders for their contribution to the war on terror. Mongolia is the 14th largest contributor of troops to Iraq, and the third largest contributor, if you compute it on a per capita basis. And it simply shows that every nation in every corner of the globe has something at stake and something to contribute in the war on terror. President Bush will commend Mongolia on the progress it has made in becoming a more mature and stable democracy, which observes human rights and civil liberties, and a private-sector, led free market economy. In Mongolia, the President and Mrs. Bush will be greeted with an arrival ceremony at Government House, and then the President will meet with the President of Mongolia, and following that, with the Prime Minister. That afternoon, the President will deliver remarks at Mongolian Government House. And following those remarks, the President and Mrs. Bush will visit Ikh Tenger and then participate in an embassy event at the airport. They will then depart en route Andrews Air Force Base