[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[January 8, 1992]
[Page 52]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 52]]

Text of Remarks at the State Dinner Hosted by Prime Minister Kiichi 
Miyazawa of Japan in Tokyo

January 8, 1992
    Mrs. Bush. Mr. Prime Minister and Mrs. Miyazawa, I rarely get to 
speak for George Bush. But tonight I know he would want me to thank you, 
on behalf of the members of his administration and the American 
businessmen who are here, for a wonderful visit and for a great 
friendship, in my part, for a lovely day, and I think for a wonderful 
day for all of you.
    You know, I can't explain what happened to George because it never 
happened before. But I'm beginning to think it's the Ambassador's fault. 
[Laughter] He and George played the Emperor and the Crown Prince in 
tennis today, and they were badly beaten. And we Bushes aren't used to 
that. [Laughter] So, he felt much worse than I thought. [Laughter]
    But General Scowcroft is going to speak for the President. And thank 
you very much for a wonderful visit.
    Mr. Scowcroft. Ladies and gentlemen, it's my great honor on behalf 
of the President, and without his assured elegance, to deliver the 
remarks he was going to make. May I first, Mr. Prime Minister, on his 
behalf, thank you for your very kind words, your expressions of 
solidarity, hope, and friendship.
    Prime Minister Miyazawa, Deputy Prime Minister Watanabe, 
distinguished ministers, distinguished former Prime Ministers, ladies 
and gentlemen. Mr. Prime Minister, it is already clear from our 
discussions that we share much in common. Most important, we both want 
stronger ties, better trade, and a closer friendship between our two 
countries.
    Barbara and I are honored to be here. I am proud to join you in 
welcoming the season of the new year and to look ahead with honesty and 
understanding to the era of a new century.
    Mr. Prime Minister, let me offer my very warmest congratulation on 
your election. I sincerely look forward to the work that lies together 
before us. As you remarked earlier this year, the United States and 
Japan share the same values and bear a heavy responsibility for world 
order. It is my conviction that the United States and Japan must move 
forward together as partners. We share a common vision for the post-
cold-war world, a world knitted together by a global trading system with 
common rules making possible free and equitable competition.
    Kiichi, I know our people share a love of baseball, so perhaps we 
should think of this new world in this spirit. You've called your 
country a team player, a description I would also apply to America. So 
let's compete in the arena of free and open trade. Open competition and 
close cooperation will make both our countries winners. Working 
together, no two nations can do more to realize a new era of peace and 
prosperity than Japan and the United States.
    You once spoke of the need to create an economy for the benefit of 
mankind and to challenge the unknown. So now, let us join together. Let 
us forge a global partnership as we confront the challenges of the 
coming century. For the sake of our children, for the sake of their 
children, we must not let these opportunities slip through our fingers.
    Mr. Prime Minister, I hear you are fond of the phrase ``large trees 
with deep roots.'' Let us guard the growing tree of our friendship so 
that it may shelter all the generations to come.
    To this friendship, I raise my glass.

                    Note: The dinner was held in the Small Dining Room 
                        at the Prime Minister's residence in Tokyo. The 
                        President became ill at the dinner before the 
                        scheduled remarks, and he returned to the 
                        Akasaka Palace. Mrs. Bush spoke at 8:55 p.m. 
                        Gen. Brent Scowcroft, Assistant to the President 
                        for National Security Affairs, delivered the 
                        President's 
                        remarks.