Remarks - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton And Kyrgyz Republic President Roza Otunbayeva Before Their Meeting

March 8, 2011

Treaty Room

Washington, D.C. 

SECRETARY CLINTON:   I'm so delighted that the president could be here for International Women's Day and bring such a wonderful message to the people of the United States and the women of the world on behalf of herself and her country.  She had an excellent meeting yesterday at the White House with the President and National Security Advisor Donilon, and I'm looking forward to continuing that conversation.  There is much we are working on together, and the United States wants to support the democratic transformation of the Kyrgyz Republic.   

PRESIDENT OTUNBAYEVA:  Secretary Clinton, I'm delighted to be here in Washington to see - to receive this very precious award for my country, because this award makes my country more known in the world.  It's not my, sort of, award.  It's a recognition of my country and democracy in my country.  I'm happy to tell you that I had a meeting yesterday with President Obama also and to continue our talks with you.  And thank you for your continuing support to strengthen democracy in Kyrgyzstan.  It is very special case.  We are far from democratic world, but we are trying to put a democracy in place to do everything what is in our hands to make sure that democracy work in Asia.  Thank you.   

SECRETARY CLINTON:  Thank you so much, President.  Thank you.  Thank you all very much.