Statement by President Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi

Statement by President Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi

WASHINGTON, June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by President Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi:

Graceland
Memphis, Tennessee

11:44 P.M. CDT

PRESIDENT BUSH: First of all, the Prime Minister and I would like to thank Priscilla and Lisa for their gracious hospitality. And we thank the Graceland staff, as well, for arranging this unusual experience. First of all, my presence here shows it's never too late to come to Graceland. Laura and I are -- we've known Elvis Presley since we were growing up. He's obviously a major part of our music history. He had an international reputation. His reputation was so strong that he attracted the attention of the now Prime Minister of Japan.

I was hoping the Prime Minister would want to come to Graceland. I knew he loved Elvis -- I didn't realize how much he loved Elvis. He not only knows Elvis' history, he can sing a pretty good Elvis song. This visit here shows that not only am I personally fond of the Prime Minister, but the ties between our peoples are very strong, as well.

And so, again, to the Presleys, thank you all. And Mr. Prime Minister, glad you joined us. Want to say a few comments?

PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: It's like a dream. I never expected President come with me to visit Graceland. There's Elvis song: To Dream Impossible. (Singing Elvis song.) (Laughter.) My dream came true. Thank you very much for -- thank you. Thank you very much for treating me nice, the Elvis song. (Singing Elvis song.) Thank you.

PRESIDENT BUSH: We're going to go have some barbeque, thank you.

END 11:47 P.M. CDT

Source: White House Press Office

CONTACT: White House Press Office, +1-202-456-2580

Web site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/

-------
Profile: intent