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Secretary's Speech

TRANSCRIPT

CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Monday, September 15, 2008

202-482-4883

Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez
Toast at Opening 25th Anniversary Dinner, U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade
Yorba Linda, California

I want to welcome you all to the Nixon Library. A special welcome to Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan. I want to welcome Ambassador Schwab, Secretary Schafer and all of the other members of the Chinese delegation and the U.S. delegation. The Vice Premier was just mentioning how great leaders are consequential. They have an impact long after their time. President Nixon and Chairman Mao were consequential leaders. They probably saw a lot of what we are living today. We are also fortunate that during our time that President Bush and President Hu are also consequential leaders. Their impact will be felt many, many years after their time. The JCCT is one of many important tools that will build the legacy of President Bush and President Hu. And I’m very fortunate to be here with my friend, the Vice Premier, and with Ambassador Schwab, Secretary Schafer and others to be able to contribute to that legacy and that impact on the future. So I offer a toast to the friendship and the future of two great nations, the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America.