November 9, 2007

PRESIDENT BUSH: Laura and I are thrilled to welcome the Chancellor¹ and Professor Sauer here to our place. In Texas when you invite somebody to your home it's an expression of warmth and respect, and that's how I feel about Chancellor Merkel. And so, Madam Chancellor, welcome. We're looking forward to having constructive² talks as well as a chance to relax and visit.

CHANCELLOR MERKEL: (As translated.) I would like to say a very warm thanks to you, George, for issuing this invitation to us. Already a first glance of the area shows us that this is, indeed, a wonderful place to be and a wonderful atmosphere. And we have a number of issues that I think we will have now time to discuss later on. I'm' very grateful that we can do this in such a pleasant, such a wonderful atmosphere, and that we can see each other here again. And I must say that I'm, again, very grateful to you, Mr. President, for the fact that we can have this exchange of views and to you, Laura, as well. Thank you.