Arroyo honored at White House dinner

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President Bush raised his glass under the glittering chandelier of the White House State Dining Room to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo yesterday in a toast to her leadership as well as the friendship and alliance between the two countries.

"You've been a fierce fighter of terrorism in your own country," said Mr. Bush, adding that it was a "high honor" to welcome Mrs. Arroyo to his home in Washington. "You've earned America's respect."

For her part, Mrs. Arroyo also mentioned their nations' alliance in the fight against terrorism in her toast.

"In a time of crisis, friends do not ask why, they ask how," she said, while Mr. Bush nodded.

Seated in the stately but intimate room with Mr. Bush and first lady Laura Bush were 128 guests, including seven members of the Cabinet, Vice President Dick Cheney, his wife, Lynne Cheney, and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.

Emphasizing the bonds between the United States and the Philippines, Mr. Bush reminded those present that the Southeast Asian nation was the first country to call the United States after the devastating attacks of September 11, and strongly supported his call to oust Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

"For your leadership and friendship, I thank you," he said.

Mrs. Arroyo, dressed in a purple floor-length gown set off with a lime-colored scarf, was equally enthusiastic in her words for the U.S. president, whom she praised for his "fearless leadership and iron resolve, combined with a bold strategic vision."

Aides rushed to place a small footstool for the diminutive Philippine president to stand on behind the lectern set up in the dining room. She attended with her husband, Jose Miguel T. Arroyo.