Bush 'especially moved' by visit to Israel
In weekly radio address, US president reviews 60th anniversary visit to Israel, commends country on sights, people. 'America is proud to be Israel's best friend in the world,' he says
"When Air Force One touched down at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, I was greeted by Israel's President and Prime Minister," he said. "I joined them in celebrating an historic milestone: Israel's 60th anniversary as an independent nation. And I assured them that Israel could count on America as a strong and steady ally long into the future.
"I also had the opportunity to address members of the Knesset, Israel's elected legislature. I reminded these democratic leaders that America was the first nation in the world to recognize Israel's independence," he said.
Continuing along the lines of the great friendship that had come into being between the two countries, Bush said, "I told them that 60 years later, America is proud to be Israel's best friend in the world. I reaffirmed the principles that make our alliance strong: a love of liberty, a devotion to justice, and a respect for human dignity. And I said that standing firm on these ideals is the surest way to defeat the extremists and build a future of peace for people throughout the Middle East.
"For Laura and me, this visit to Israel was an especially moving experience. We toured the Bible Lands Museum, saw the Dead Sea Scrolls, and visited Masada – an inspiring shrine to Jewish courage and sacrifice in the first century," he added.
The president also spoke highly of the sights and people of Israel. "From the window of our hotel room we had a magnificent view of the Old City of Jerusalem, home to some of the holiest sites in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. And on our final morning in the city we met some of Israel's young people, talented and hopeful citizens who gave me confidence in Israel's future," he said.
'Reject regimes of Iran and Syria'
Bush went on to speak about his visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met Saudi King Abdullah II. "We celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia. We reaffirmed our shared objectives of peace in the Holy Land, a secure and united Iraq and a sovereign, independent Lebanon that is free of outside interference," he stated, adding that talks had also included oil production, gasoline prices, and the importance of political reform.
The president also thanked the King for his help in the fight against terror, then laid out his plan for the next few days, in which he is scheduled to visit Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt in order to meet with world leaders such as Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
He also said he would address the World Economic Forum in the Middle East, where he plans to "stress the importance of building dynamic and diverse economies that unleash the creativity and enterprise of citizens throughout the region, especially women and young people.
Bush also said he would "urge leaders across the region to reject spoilers such as the regimes in Iran and Syria, move past old grievances and embrace the changes necessary for a day when societies across the Middle East are based on justice, tolerance, and freedom.
Reaching that day will not be easy. But with continued leadership from America and our friends in the region, I am confident that it can happen. And when that day arrives, the Middle East will be more hopeful, the world will be more peaceful, and the American people will be more secure," he concluded.
