Remarks by President Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi In Photo Opportunity With Mrs. Bush, Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley
/ -- The following is a transcript of remarks by President Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi in photo opportunity with Mrs. Bush, Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley:
Graceland Memphis, Tennessee 10:38 A.M. CDT
PRESIDENT BUSH: It is such a joy to be here to Graceland. It's my first visit.
PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: My first visit, too. PRESIDENT BUSH: The Prime Minister's first visit.
PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: It's like a dream, with President Bush and Presley's daughter.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you all for greeting us. You're awfully kind to be here.
PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: You look like Elvis. MS. LISA MARIE PRESLEY: (Speaks Japanese.)
PRESIDENT BUSH: The visit here is an indication of how well-known Elvis was around the world. A lot of people are still singing Elvis Presley songs here in the states and there's a lot of people who love Elvis Presley in Japan, including the Prime Minister. This visit is also a way of reminding us about the close friendship between our peoples.
And, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for agreeing to come here. A lot of Americans are thrilled you're here, particularly at Graceland. It means a lot to our country that you would be that interested in one of America's icons, Elvis Presley.
PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: My birthday is the same as Elvis. PRESIDENT BUSH: You and Elvis were born on the same day? PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: January 8th. PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: Even now, I often listen to Elvis CDs. PRESIDENT BUSH: Still listen to Elvis CDs? PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: Sure. PRESIDENT BUSH: You're a pretty good Elvis singer. PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: I'm not impersonator. (Sings Elvis songs.)
PRESIDENT BUSH: I thought you were going to do "Blue Suede Shoes." Thank you
