President Bush delivered a foreign policy speech during a visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Wednesday. Here is a transcript.
BUSH: Thank you all. Thanks very much.
(APPLAUSE)
Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
Please be seated.
(APPLAUSE)
Thank you all very much. Thanks for warm welcome, Mr. Prime Minister.
BUSH: I thank you and Mrs. Martin for a fantastic dinner last night in Ottawa. We really loved it.
My only regret today is that Laura's not with me. She went home to thank those who have been decorating the White House for the great Christmas season that's coming up. I married well.
(LAUGHTER)
I appreciate the premiers who are here.
Premier Hamm, thank you for your hospitality.
Premier Lord, Premier Binns and Premier Williams, I appreciate you all joining us.
I want to specifically mention the premiers because as an ex- governor, I feel a special kinship...
(LAUGHTER)
... to those who run the provinces here in Canada.
But thank you for your service.
Ambassador Cellucci, mayors, local officials, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to be with you today to reaffirm America's enduring ties to your country.
(APPLAUSE)
I am really glad to be in Canada and I'm really glad to be among friends. I appreciate the warm hospitality we've received.
In the past year, I've come to know your new prime minister. We've met in Mexico, in the United States, in Chile and now in Canada.
Paul Martin is the leader who is asserting Canada's good influence in the world.
And as I prepare for a second term in office, I look forward to a successful working partnership between our two countries.
BUSH: Paul and I share a great vision for the future: two prosperous, independent nations joined together by the return of NHL hockey.
(APPLAUSE)
I told Paul that I really have only one regret about this visit to Canada. There's a prominent citizen who endorsed me in the 2000 election and I wanted a chance to finally thank him for that endorsement. I was hoping to meet Jean Poutine.
