King Abdullah II Returns to the White House

Last month in the Oval Office, King Abdullah II of Jordan discussed with the President of the United States George W. Bush the ongoing efforts to establish lasting peace in the Middle East. Today, the Office of the Press Secretary (White House) released the following statement: "President Bush will meet with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. The President looks forward to discussing with the King bilateral U.S.-Jordanian relations, efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the situation in Lebanon, and other regional issues."

King Abdullah II’s Oval Office Meeting with President Bush

King Abdullah II of Jordan and President George W. Bush discussed some of the problems plaguing the Middle East in the Oval Office today. Afterwards, they answered some questions from reporters before going to a private luncheon with Queen Rania and First Lady Laura Bush.
Below is the full transcript of the opening statements and question/answer session between reporters, King Abdullah II and President Bush in the Oval Office.

PRESIDENT BUSH: "His Majesty and I will take a couple of questions after opening statements."

"Your Majesty, I value your friendship and I value your leadership. And I appreciate you coming back. America has got no stronger friend in the Middle East than Jordan. And we appreciate the -- we appreciate your firmness when it comes to dealing with terror and extremism. We appreciate the heart when it comes to people -- your heart when it comes to people who suffer."

"We spent a lot of time talking about the Middle Eastern peace process. A couple of points I want to reiterate. One is that the United States is engaged and will remain engaged in helping convince the Prime Minister of Israel and President Abbas that now is the time to formulate a vision of what a state will look like."

"And secondly, I assured His Majesty this is a major focus of my administration and that I would like to see that vision, the process that we have started in Annapolis, finished prior to my departure from the presidency. In other words, there is a -- people say, well, you always set -- you're hesitant to set timetables. But there happens to be a timetable as far as I'm concerned, and that is, I'm leaving office. And Secretary Rice is in the region today and she's -- she is making our views known, that we expect these leaders to step up and make hard decisions. And I told His Majesty I'm optimistic -- still as optimistic as I was after Annapolis."

"And so we welcome you, sir, and thank you for your passion."

KING ABDULLAH II: "Thank you very much, Mr. President. It is obviously a great honor to be back here and to be with you. We tremendously appreciate the warm relationship and the great friendship between our two countries."

"But as His Excellency the President just stated, we are very, very pleased with the continued commitment that the President has to solve the longest, most outstanding issue in the Middle East -- the Israeli-Palestinian process. And the words and discussions that we've had this morning will have, I think, a very great response back in our part of the world when I will go back and report to many of my colleagues the President's commitment to bringing a bright future to Israelis and Palestinians and to the whole area."

"And we look forward to continuing to work with you, Mr. President, and many of us in the area, to finally achieve a peace that will set the Middle East in the right direction."

PRESIDENT BUSH: "Thank you. A couple of questions apiece. Ben."

REPORTER: "Mr. President -- "

REPORTER: "Mr. President -- "

REPORTER: "-- as you have promised -- sorry."

REPORTER QUESTION: "Thank you, Mr. President. Are you -- what are your thoughts about the fact that President Abbas has not resumed peace talks? Are you disappointed? And very quickly, sir, you said you're still as optimistic as you were after Annapolis --what gives you that optimism?"

PRESIDENT BUSH: "I'm optimistic because I am absolutely convinced that Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas understand that this is now a key moment in achieving peace. Both leaders are committed to a democracy -- two democracies living side by side in peace. Both leaders understand that there has to be a vision of what that state will look like. Both leaders fully understand that there has to -- you know, have to work out agreements on borders and right of return, and other issues."

"Both leaders understand that a vision that respects people and promotes freedom stands in stark contrast to the extremists, who are willing to murder people to stop the advance of democracy and to, you know, dash the ambitions of the Palestinians."

"I'm optimistic that they understand that. I understand the difficulties, but I also believe both leaders have -- when it -- ultimately will have the courage necessary to reach an agreement. And my job as the President, and my administration's responsibilities, are to help them understand what is possible, and to keep them moving on a process. And so I'm optimistic; I am."

REPORTER QUESTION: "Are you disappointed about the lack of resumption in peace talks?"

PRESIDENT BUSH: "This is a process that, you know, always has two steps forward and one step back. We just got to make sure that it's only one step back. Condi is out there in the region -- and sometimes, you know, there's matters going behind the scenes that aren't apparent in the public arena. And so yes, I'm optimistic. And we'll continue to work hard to help achieve the vision."

"Step one is to convince the leaders it's necessary, and to help them define a vision so that a state can come into being after conditions are met. But a lot of Palestinians are probably -- are saying, we've heard this kind of rhetoric before -- show us what a state looks like. And I said a state has got to be continuous -- a contiguous territory; it can't look like Swiss cheese. You know, the Palestinians have got to understand that this is an option available for them, and it will stand in stark contrast to the vision of Hamas, which has been nothing more than violence and deprivation."

"You want to call on somebody?"

REPORTER QUESTION: "Mr. President, as you mentioned, you know, as you approach the end of your term in office, you mentioned that you still feel that establishing the Palestinian state is still achievable. What is the exact vision that you have, you know, with this short time left?"

PRESIDENT BUSH: "Sure, I appreciate it. First of all, 10 months is a long time. May seem short to you, but it's -- there's plenty of time to get a deal done."

"Secondly, I have visited with the leaders, you know, on a one-on-one basis quite frequently, and I understand that it's -- this is a difficult subject. But I also feel very comfortable with the commitment they have made to try to work out subjects that have been difficult for other leaders to work out in the past."

"The role of the United States -- we can't impose peace. We can help leaders come to agreement and come to the table and make hard decisions. We can help facilitate the bridging of gaps, if there are gaps. And that's exactly what our diplomacy is in the process of doing."

"And by the way, there is -- and one of the reasons why His Majesty is so important in this process, as the other leaders in the Middle East, including my close friend, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and President Mubarak of Egypt, is that both these leaders are going to need the support of the Arab world in order to make tough decisions. But first it's up to them. And so I'm optimistic that they can conclude tough negotiations. And we'll try to facilitate that."

"Matt."

REPORTER QUESTION: "Yes, sir. Every indication out of the OPEC meeting of ministers in Vienna is that they will be holding output steady. What is your reaction to that, sir, in light of your recent visit to the Middle East in which you appealed for an increase in output?"

PRESIDENT BUSH: "I think it's a mistake to have your biggest customer's economy slow down, or your biggest customers' economies slowing down as a result of high energy prices. It's not the only result -- our economy is slowing down. I mean, obviously we've got a housing issue and some credit issues. But no question, the high price of gasoline has hurt economic growth here in the United States. And if I were a member of OPEC, I'd be concerned about high energy prices causing people to buy less energy over time."

"And the other thing high energy prices of course does, which is stimulate alternative fuels, which we're doing a lot here in America. We're spending a lot of money on biofuels and ethanols and new ways to make ethanol. My advice to OPEC -- of course they haven't listened to it -- but my advice to OPEC is to understand the consequences of high energy prices, because I do, and I understand this is affecting our American citizens. It's making it harder for people to be able to drive, and it's making it tough for families to save."

"And so not only is it -- high energy prices having an effect on -- a macro effect on our economy, it's affecting a lot of our families, which troubles me, as well. And by the way, the higher energy prices stay, the more likely it is countries will quickly diversify. And that's part of our strategy."

"You want to call on somebody? One more?"

REPORTER QUESTION: "Thank you, Mr. President. Apart from the Palestinian issue, did you also discuss Lebanon and Iraq, and whether there's a common position between you and Jordan regarding the crisis in Lebanon and the situation in Iraq?"

PRESIDENT BUSH: "Thank you. We did. His Majesty -- and he, of course can answer, as well -- but His Majesty made it very clear to me that stability in Iraq is important for Jordan. He also pointed out something which I knew, but I wasn't exactly sure how it was affecting his country, that there are roughly three-quarters of a million Iraqi citizens who have moved to Jordan. And we talked about a common strategy about how to make sure that those citizens ended up hopefully going home to Iraq as the security situation improved, but also, while they're in Jordan, not create terrible issues for the government."

"And of course we talked about Lebanon. We strongly -- I strongly support Prime Minister Siniora and the March 14th coalition. I strongly condemn Syrian interference in the Lebanese political process. It is -- I am extremely disappointed that the Syrian leader continues to make it hard for the Siniora government to succeed, and I really don't appreciate the fact that they've made it hard for this government to elect a President. We had diplomatic success in the past, when the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution seeing to it that Syria left this young democracy, to be able to grow on its own -- and now here they are once again interfering inside the politics of this country."

"And so, yes, we discussed the subject."

KING ABDULLAH II: "And all I can add to that, on the issue of Lebanon is how we discussed the role of Arab countries, and how we can be effective in supporting the process in Lebanon, so that as quickly as possible a government is formed which will enable them to take them to the future."

PRESIDENT BUSH: "Thank you all very much. We've got to go have lunch with our wives."

Photos: Yousef Allan

Queen Elizabeth II Jokes About President Bush’s Gaffe

After the formal white tie affair at the White House, Queen Elizabeth II returned the dinner favour at the British Embassy last night. In her toast, she joked about the gaffe President Bush made in his salutation remarks on the morning of May 7th.

Below is the toast exchange between Queen Elizabeth II and President George W. Bush at the British Embassy.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II: "Mr. President, I wondered whether I should start this toast saying, 'When I was here in 1776' --"

"Mr. President, it is a real pleasure to welcome you and Mrs. Bush here this evening. Over our six days in the United States, we have much enjoyed the chance to dwell on the history of the relationship between our two countries, as well as celebrating its present strength and vitality. I would like to thank everyone for the warmth and kindness extended to us."

"I would also like to take this opportunity, on the day that has seen the formal transfer of power to the devolved Northern Ireland government, to thank you and your predecessors for your contribution to bringing peace to Northern Ireland."

"May I ask everyone to rise and drink a toast to President and Mrs. Bush, to the future of our two countries, and the enduring friendship between Britain and the United States."

"Mr. President."

PRESIDENT BUSH: "Your Majesty, I can't top that one."

"Your Royal Highness, distinguished guests, thank you so much for a warm welcome. Laura and I appreciate your hospitality. I particularly want to thank Ambassador Manning and Lady Manning for inviting us to your home."

"The friendship between the British and American people is one of the oldest and most enduring in history. This friendship has been built on the common ideal of freedom, and forged by our shared sacrifices in freedom's defense."

"Your Majesty, I appreciate your visit to our World War II Memorial. I thank you for sharing your perspective last night on how the Atlantic Alliance that emerged from a great conflict has helped lay the foundation for freedom's triumph in Europe and beyond."

"Today, British and American troops are following the example set by a previous generation. Troops from our two countries are serving side by side to bring the hope of liberty to regions that have not known it. Together we're supporting young democracies that are taking their first steps on the path to free and peaceful societies."

"This morning the world witnessed yet another advance for freedom and peace -- the people of Northern Ireland took control of their future when Catholics and Protestants came together to form a new government that offers the prospect of peace and reconciliation after years of violence and division. In Belfast today, we're seeing once again how democracy and freedom can help heal a wounded world."

"Your Majesty, thank you for your words tonight, and for the love and affection you have shown the American people over many years. In this spirit, I offer a toast to Your Majesty, to Your Royal Highness, and to our closest of friends, the British people."

Queen Elizabeth II Exchanges a Toast with The President of the United States

Queen Elizabeth II and President of the United States George W. Bush exchanged official toasts in the State Dining Room at the White House white tie formal dinner. The queen has been visiting the United States in part to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown Settlement. The after dinner entertainment was performed by violinist Itzhak Perlman in the East Room.

PRESIDENT BUSH: "Your Majesty, and Your Royal Highness, distinguished guests, Laura and I offer you a warm welcome to the White House. We're really glad you're here."

"Tonight is the fourth state dinner held in Your Majesty's honor here at the White House. On previous such occasions, you've been welcomed by President Eisenhower, President Ford, and another President named Bush. Over your long reign, America and Britain have deepened our friendship and strengthened our alliance."

"Our alliance is rooted in the beliefs that we share. We recognize that every individual has dignity and matchless value. We believe that the most effective governments are those that hold themselves accountable to their people. And we know that the advance of freedom is the best hope for lasting peace in our world."

"Based on our common values, our two nations are working together for the common good. Together we are supporting young democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Together we're confronting global challenges such as poverty and disease and terrorism. And together we're working to build a world in which more people can enjoy prosperity and security and peace."

"Friendships remain strong when they are continually renewed, and the American people appreciate Your Majesty's commitment to our friendship. We thank you for helping us celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement. We're confident that Anglo-American friendship will endure for centuries to come."

"So, on behalf of the American people, I offer a toast to Your Majesty, to Your Royal Highness, and to our staunch allies, the valiant people of the United Kingdom."

QUEEN ELIZABETH II: "Thank you very much, indeed."

PRESIDENT BUSH: "Your turn, Your Majesty."

QUEEN ELIZABETH II: "Mr. President, thank you again for your warm words of welcome. Prince Philip and I are most grateful for your generous hospitality."

"It is now 16 years since my last visit to Washington. In 1991, most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe were just emerging from behind the Iron Curtain. Their people were rejoicing in the opportunities presented by their newfound freedom. At the time, your father, President Bush, saw the potential for what he called, a Europe whole and free."

"It is never easy to give royal form to such hopes and aspirations. But here, in 2007, those aspirations have, for the most part, been fulfilled. NATO and the European Union opened their doors to friends across the continent, and both institutions have grown to encompass the great majority of countries in Europe."

"Tonight I would like to recognize that steadfast commitment your country has shown, not just in the last 16 years, but throughout my life, in support of a Europe whole and free."

"I grew up in the knowledge that the very survival of Britain was bound up in that vital wartime alliance forged by Winston Churchill and President Roosevelt. On my first visit to Washington in 1951, your predecessor, President Truman, welcomed me to the White House, and it was his administration which reached out to Europe through the Marshall Plan to help our tired and battered continent lift itself from the ruins of a second world war. In the years that followed, successive administrations here in Washington committed themselves to the defense of Europe, as we learned to live with the awesome responsibilities of the nuclear age."

"Mr. President, for someone of my age, surveying the many challenges we face in this new 21st century, that is the inescapable historical context within which we live. My generation can vividly remember the ordeal of the second world war. We experienced the difficulties of those early postwar years. We lived through the uncertainties of the long Cold War period."

"For those of us who have witnessed the peace and stability and prosperity enjoyed in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe over these postwar years, we have every reason to remember that this has been founded on the bedrock of the Atlantic Alliance. All the many and varied elements of our present relationship, be they in the fields of education, business, culture, sports, politics or the law, have continued to flourish, safe in the knowledge of this simple truth."

"Today the United States and the United Kingdom, with our partners in Europe and the Commonwealth, face different threats and new problems both at home and abroad. In recent years, sadly, both our nations have suffered grievously at the hands of international terrorism. Further afield, whether in Iraq or Afghanistan, climate change, or the eradication of poverty, the international community is grappling with problems certainly no less complex than those faced by our 20th century forebears."

"I have no doubt, however, that together with our friends in Europe and beyond, we can continue to learn from the inspiration and vision of those earlier statesmen in ensuring that we meet these threats and resolve these problems. Divided, all alone, we can be vulnerable. But if the Atlantic unites, not divides us, ours is a partnership always to be reckoned with in the defense of freedom and the spread of prosperity."

"That is the lesson of my lifetime. Administrations in your country, and governments in mine, may come and go. But talk we will; listen we have to; disagree from time to time we may; but united we must always remain."

"Mr. President, I raise my glass to you and to Mrs. Bush, to the friendship between our two countries, and to the health, freedom, prosperity, and happiness of the people of the United States of America."

"Mr. President."

Below is the white tie formal dinner menu.

Spring Pea Soup with Fernleaf Lavender
Chive Pizzelle with American Caviar

Newton Chardonnay “Unfiltered” 2004

Dover Sole Almondine
Roasted Artichokes, Pequillo Peppers and Olives

Saddle of Spring Lamb
Chanterelle Sauce
Fricassee of Baby Vegetables

Peter Michael “Les Pavots” 2003

Arugula, Savannah Mustard and Mint Romaine
Champagne Dressing and Trio of Farmhouse Cheeses

“Rose Blossoms”

Schramsberg Brut Rosé 2004

White House Welcome for Queen Elizabeth II

On the South Lawn of the White House this morning, President George W. Bush and Queen Elizabeth II greeted each other with official salutations. Afterwards, a luncheon was held in honour of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Below is the full text of the morning salutations between Queen Elizabeth II and President George W. Bush.

PRESIDENT BUSH: "Good morning. Laura and I are honored to welcome back to the White House Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh."

"The United Kingdom has written many of the greatest chapters in the history of human freedom. Nearly 800 years ago, the Magna Carta placed the authority of the government under the rule of law. Eighty years later, the first representative assembly of the English people met to debate public policies. Over the centuries, parliaments in Britain established principles that guide all modern democracies. And thinkers from Britain, like Locke and Smith and Burke showed the world that freedom was the natural right of every man, woman and child on Earth."

"As liberty expanded in the British Isles, British explorers helped spread liberty to many lands, including our own. In May of 1607, a group of pioneers arrived on the shores of the James River, and founded the first permanent English settlement in North America. The settlers at Jamestown planted the seeds of freedom and democracy on American soil. And from those seeds sprung a nation that will always be proud to trace its roots back to our friends across the Atlantic."

"Our two nations hold fundamental values in common. We honor our traditions and our shared history. We recognize that the strongest societies respect the rights and dignity of the individual. We understand and accept the burdens of global leadership. And we have built our special relationship on the surest foundations -- our deep and abiding love of liberty."

"Today our two nations are defending liberty against tyranny and terror. We're resisting those who murder the innocent to advance a hateful ideology, whether they kill in New York or London, or Kabul or Baghdad."

"American and British forces are staying on the offense against the extremists and terrorists. We're supporting young democracies. Our work has been hard. The fruits of our work have been difficult for many to see. Yet our work remains the surest path to peace, and it reflects the values cherished by Americans and by Britons, and by the vast majority of people across the broader Middle East."

"Your Majesty, I appreciate your leadership during these times of danger and decision. You've spoken out against extremism and terror. You've encouraged religious tolerance and reconciliation. You've honored those returning from battle, and comforted the families of the fallen."

"The American people are proud to welcome Your Majesty back to the United States, a nation you've come to know very well. After all, you've dined with ten U.S. Presidents. You helped our nation celebrate its bicentennial in 17 -- in 1976. She gave me a look that only a mother could give a child."

"You have helped commemorate both the 350th and 400th anniversaries of the Jamestown settlement."

"Your Majesty, the United States receives with honor the sovereign of the United Kingdom. We welcome back to the White House a good person, a strong leader for a great ally."

QUEEN ELIZABETH II: "Mr. President, thank you for your warm words. This is my fifth visit to the United States. And I believe it is important to remind ourselves of the purpose of these occasions, which gives meaning to the ceremonial symbolism and the circumstance."

"A state visit provides us with a brief opportunity to step back from our current preoccupations to reflect on the very essence of our relationship. It gives us the chance to look back at how the stories of our two countries have been inextricably woven together. It is the moment to take stock of our present friendship, rightly taking pleasure from its strengths, while never taking these for granted. And it is the time to look forward, jointly renewing our commitment to a more prosperous, safer and freer world."

"Last week, I had the pleasure of sharing with you an extraordinary anniversary in our common history. It was a privilege to join the commemoration of the Jamestown landing by that small group of British citizens all those years ago. My two days in Virginia gave me a new insight into those events, which helped to shape this country's development and to lay the foundations of this great nation based on shared principles of equality, democracy and the rule of law."

"And now in Washington, we have a further opportunity to acknowledge the present strengths of our relationship. I shall enjoy not only renewing old acquaintances and making new ones, but also recognizing the breadth and depth of the friendship we have shared for so long. We can celebrate the close and enduring associations which thrive between the United States and the United Kingdom at every level, be it government or corporate, institutional or personal."

"This visit also gives us a window on the future, both the future of the United States and the future cooperation between our countries. I particularly look forward in the next two days to seeing at firsthand something of how the cutting edge of science and technology can take us to the next phases of discovery and exploration in human endeavor."

"Mr. President, thank you for inviting Prince Philip and me to visit your country, to share in the commemoration of the Jamestown anniversary, and to have this opportunity to underline the extent of our friendship -- past, present and future. It is indeed a pleasure for us to be here in Washington again, and to be welcomed back to the White House."

Below is the luncheon menu in honour of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Wild Asparagus Velouté
Chive Oil
Heirloom Tomato Fondue

Seared Baby Sea Bass
Ramp-Vermouth Sauce
Lemony Risotto

Ruby Red Grapefruit Fillets,
Jicama and Florida Avocados
Citrus Dressing

“Spring Garden”
Raspberry Meringue
Dark Chocolate Sorbet
Mint Granita

DuMOL Chardonnay “Isobel” 2004