President Bush Exchanges Toasts at State Banquet in Vietnam, International Convention Center, Hanoi, Vietnam, APEC 2006 and President's Trip to Southeast Asia
 | PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. President, and Madam Chi, the reason I'm smiling is because I'm really happy to be here. And so is Laura. And we thank you for your warm hospitality. |
First, I want to congratulate you for your success on hosting APEC. I'm confident our fellow leaders will have the same sense of gratitude and respect that we feel from the Vietnamese people.
 | Vietnam is a remarkable country. For decades you had been torn apart by war. Today the Vietnamese people are at peace and seeing the benefits of reform. |
The Vietnamese own their own businesses, and today the Vietnamese economy is the fastest growing in Southeast Asia. Vietnamese students have great opportunities here at home and abroad. The Vietnamese people are traveling around the world and sharing this ancient culture with peoples of the world. And the United States, as well as other APEC partners, look forward to strengthening our ties.
 | The American people welcome the progress of Vietnam. And we want to continue to work together to better our relations. We will work with you to help combat avian flu and HIV/AIDS. |
We have signed agreements to protect religious freedom. We strongly support Vietnam in the World Trade Organization.
 | Vietnam is a country that's taking its rightful place as a strong and vibrant nation. Mr. President, your leadership is helping your country succeed. I can see it as I drive on the streets, the people of your country have hope. And I hope they know as a result of my visit they have the friendship of the American people. |
And so, Mr. President, I would like to propose a toast to you and Madam Chi and to the fine people of Vietnam. (Applause.)
(A toast is offered.) END
For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, November 17, 2006
President Bush Meets with President Nguyen Minh Triet of Vietnam, Presidential Palace, Hanoi, Vietnam. 2:35 P.M. (Local)
 | THE PRESIDENT: Mr. President, thank you very much for your hospitality. Laura and I have been struck by the friendliness of the people of Vietnam. In our drive through this beautiful city we were pleased to see thousands of your citizens with smiles on their faces. And we're so grateful. |
 | I've been reading and studying about your country and I have seen now firsthand the great vibrancy and the excitement that's taking place in Vietnam. |
You're like a young tiger, and I look forward to continuing to work to make sure our bilateral relations are close. And thank you for hosting APEC. And thank you for hosting a dinner for us tonight, we're really looking forward to it.
END 2:37 P.M. (Local)
For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, November 17, 2006
The President thanks President Nguyen for hosting APEC and said he looked "forward to continuing to work to make sure our bilateral relations are close." White House photo by Eric Draper.
 | Cattle graze on the outskirts of Hanoi Friday, Nov. 17, 2006, site of the 2006 APEC Summit. White House photo by Paul Morse. |
 | Pedestrians and cyclists line the motorcade route in Hanoi as President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush head to the Sheraton Hanoi Hotel Friday, Nov. 17, 2006, after their arrival in Vietnam. |
White House photo by Paul Morse.
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