Remarks at a State Dinner Honoring Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom

President Bush. Your Majesty and Your Royal Highness, distinguished guests: Laura and I offer you a warm welcome to the White House. We are really glad you're here.

Tonight is the fourth state dinner held in Your Majesty's honor here at the White House. On previous such occasions, you've been welcomed by President Eisenhower, President Ford, and another President named Bush. [Laughter] Over your long reign, America and Britain have deepened our friendship and strengthened our alliance.

Our alliance is rooted in the beliefs that we share. We recognize that every individual has dignity and matchless value. We believe that the most effective governments are those that hold themselves accountable to their people. And we know that the advance of freedom is the best hope for lasting peace in our world.

Based on our common values, our two nations are working together for the common good. Together, we are supporting young democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Together, we're confronting global challenges such as poverty and disease and terrorism. And together, we're working to build a world in which more people can enjoy prosperity and security and peace.

Friendships remain strong when they are continually renewed, and the American people appreciate Your Majesty's commitment to our friendship. We thank you for helping us celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement. We're confident that Anglo-American friendship will endure for centuries to come.

So, on behalf of the American people, I offer a toast to Your Majesty, to Your Royal Highness, and to our staunch allies, the valiant people of the United Kingdom.

Queen Elizabeth II. Thank you very much, indeed.

President Bush. Your turn, Your Majesty.