Text: Bush, Musharraf News Conference

U.S. President George W. Bush and Pakistan's leader, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, left, answer questions on the war on terrorism, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 22, 2006. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (J. Scott Applewhite - AP)

-- Text of President Bush and Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf on Friday, as transcribed by CQ Transcriptions.

BUSH: Thank you very much.

Please be seated.

Laura and I appreciate the opportunity to welcome President and Mrs. Musharraf here to Washington.

We remember, fondly, Mr. President, your great hospitality in Pakistan.

And we remember the importance of that visit. It reconfirmed our friendship, gave you and me a chance to discuss important issues. And there's no more important issue than defending our peoples.

This president is a strong defender of freedom and the people of Pakistan.

And I appreciate your leadership.

He understands that we are in a struggle against extremists who will use terror as a weapon. He understands it just about as good as anybody in the world. After all, they've tried to take his life.

These extremists who can't stand the thought of a moderate leader leading an important country like Pakistan want to kill the president. That should say things to the people of Pakistan and the people of America, that because he has been a strong, forceful leader, he has become a target of those who can't stand the thought of moderation prevailing.

I admire your leadership.

MUSHARRAF: Thank you.