From the Remarks of H.M. King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa:
HM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa welcomed President Bush to Bahrain on his first visit, the first ever for an American president, saying that it reflected the strength of bilateral ties and thus would be engraved in the memory of the Bahrainis for many decades to come. The King pointed to the progress of the Bahraini-US ties in health, energy, industry and education as well as the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He lauded the role played by the US Navy over the past 50 years in strengthening bilateral bonds and streamlining defense logistics, saying "We are proud of our relationship with the U.S. Navy and we value the services it renders to maritime navigation in the region."
"Bahrain considers the United States a friend, an ally and a partner and appreciates the continued support offered by Your Excellency and the U.S. people to humanity and your keenness to ensure peace and progress for all out of our common belief in the values of freedom, pluralism, human rights and women's empowerment."
"The construction and advancement of nations can only be achieved through science, brains and moderation to reinforce the rule of law and state of institutions while maintaining sufficient power to deter potential threats to national security."
"This is possible through further military cooperation and building of military capabilities, we thank the US for its defense cooperation with Bahrain and for the advanced defense systems that help the kingdom defend itself and protect its freedom."
The King described Bush's visit as a catalyst for further security and stability in this important part of the world whose peoples aspire for welfare and prosperity. "Your honorable stand and contributions to the independence of Kuwait along with other brotherly and friendly countries is a historical deed that shall be remembered for decades to come and are behind the growth and development of the whole region and the permanent demarcation of border lines among its states."
"We wish success to your vision on the independent Palestinian state living in peace side by side with Israel which has become an international demand and a guarantor of any future comprehensive permanent peace in the region and new horizons of welfare and freedom for its peoples."
"In recognition of your efforts, we are pleased to present you with Shaikh Isa First-Class Medal valuing your unprecedented efforts in strengthening bilateral ties and wishing you a pleasant stay in the kingdom."
Remarks of President George W. Bush:
"Your Majesty, thank you very much for bestowing upon me the award. I'm most honored. I accept it on behalf of the people of the United States of America. I also thank you and the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister for your gracious hospitality. I am really honored to be the first U.S. sitting President to have visited your country. Perhaps I should say, it's about time.
" The American people have a long friendship with the people of Bahrain. For decades, Bahrain has welcomed the United States Navy -- and is now home to our Fifth Fleet. Two years ago, I was pleased to sign legislation that strengthened our friendship and our relationship with the free trade agreement with Bahrain -- it's America's first such agreement with any nation in the Gulf. This agreement is helping to pave way to freer and fairer trade between our countries -- so we can create jobs and opportunity and hope in both our lands.
"Our two nations share a common vision for the future of the Middle East. Through our alliance, we share the burdens and risks of maintaining security, as well as defending freedom throughout the region. We also believe in the power of democratic reform. Your Majesty, I appreciate the fact that you're on the forefront of providing hope for people through democracy. Your nation has held two free elections since 2000 -- and in 2006, your people elected a woman to your parliament. Bahrain's reforms are making your nation stronger. You're showing strong leadership, and you're showing the way forward for other nations.
"Your Majesty, I look forward to our meetings later today. I look forward to discussing how we can continue to advance peace in the Middle East. I look forward to sharing with you my experiences that I had in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. I look forward to talking about how we can continue to ensure security in the Gulf. Together we will continue to strengthen our friendship and our cooperation, and I'm proud to be with you, sir."