[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 13 (Monday, April 7, 2008)]
[Page 476]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Dinner Hosted by President Stjepan Mesic of Croatia in 
Zagreb, Croatia

April 4, 2008

    Mr. President and Madam, thank you very much. Mr. Prime Minister, 
thank you very much. Also good to meet your wife.

    Laura and I are thrilled to be in your beautiful country, Mr. 
President. We appreciate your gracious hospitality, and we celebrate 
your invitation to become one of America's closest allies. I--you said 
you're from a small country. I'm impressed by the big hearts and the big 
basketball team. [Laughter]

    We are so proud of our relationship, Mr. President. We share common 
values. We believe in human rights and human dignity. We believe there's 
a Creator that has given every man, woman, and child on the face of the 
Earth the great gift of freedom. We believe markets are capable of 
unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit of our peoples. We understand that 
freedom requires sacrifice.

    I salute the people of your country for your courage and willingness 
to help a young democracy in Afghanistan not only thrive but succeed. I 
appreciate the friends who have stared evil in the face and understand 
there's a better tomorrow.

    And so, Mr. President, I bring the greetings of my country to your 
beautiful land. With the honor due to a trusted ally, I offer a toast to 
you and to the valiant people of Croatia.

Note: The President spoke at 8:04 p.m. at the Pucka Dvorana. In his 
remarks, he referred to Milka Mesic, wife of President Mesic; and Prime 
Minister Ivo Sanader of Croatia and his wife, Mirjana Sanader. The 
transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also included 
the remarks of President Mesic.