Posted on 05/17/2007 5:49:48 PM PDT by snugs
Today the President met with the outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair and took part in a joint press availability with him at the White House.
He also attended a commissioning ceremony for Joint Reserve Officer Training Corps and made a statement on immigration reform.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice attended a reception at the British Embassy in Washington on the peace process in Northern Ireland.
Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island
QUOTE OF THE DAY
President Bush Participates in Joint Press Availability with United Kingdom Prime Minister Blair
Rose Garden
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you. I'm pleased to welcome Tony Blair back to the White House. He is a good friend. He has led the British people for a long time, since 1797. (Laughter.)
You know, I was sitting with Tony on the Truman balcony last night, and we were discussing a lot of issues. And it dawned on me, once again, what a clear strategic thinker he is. Somebody asked me the other day, how would you define Tony Blair and your relationship with him? I said, first of all, it's cordial, it's open, and I appreciate the fact that he can see beyond the horizon. And that's the kind of leadership the world needs.
I do congratulate the Prime Minister for being a -- when he gets on a subject, it's dogged. Witness his patience and resolve regarding Northern Ireland. And congratulations for your leadership.
We talked about a lot of issues at dinner and our meetings. We talked about, of course, Iraq. As a matter of fact, the Prime Minister and I have just finished a video conference with our respective commanders and ambassadors from Baghdad. We got a full briefing on the situation on the ground. I appreciated Tony's willingness to interface with our people there. I reminded our people that the best decisions are made when you listen to the commanders. And our commanders have got good, specific advice as to how to achieve our objectives, which I believe we'll achieve; objectives that I know are necessary for peace -- peace in the Middle East, peace in the United States, and in the United Kingdom.
It's been a joy having you back here. I appreciate -- every time I'm with you I appreciate very much the insight you provide. And I guess, for the final time as Prime Minister, you get to address the good folks in our country from the Rose Garden.
PRIME MINISTER BLAIR: Well, thank you very much, Mr. President, and thank you, as ever, for the kindness and graciousness of your welcome to me here at the White House. And thank you also for the strength of your leadership over the past few years. You have been a strong leader at a time when the world needed strong leadership. You've been unyielding and unflinching, and determined in the fight that we face together. And I thank you for that.
PHOTOS OF THE DAY
President Bush, right, meets with outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Thursday, May 17, 2007.
Dose going up please wait for the all clear before posting or re-posting any photos or graphics - a lot of photos today.
Thanks!
Hi.
1st ???
President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom, shake hands Thursday, May 17, 2007, as they meet in the Oval Office of the White House. The visit to Washington, D.C. marked the last for the Prime Minister, who has announced he will step down in June. White House photo by Eric Draper
I got lucky!
Two great men, two great friends. I appreciate Tony and his support for our country, not an easy task on his part.
Hi!
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