Jon Ward The Washington Times - January 19, 2009, 08:27AM

President Bush, on his last day as commander-in-chief, is calling world leaders to say goodbye and thank you, the White House announced this morning.

Already today, Mr. Bush has called Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak, Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, and Italian Prime Minister Sylvia Berlusconi

“The leaders thanked President Bush for his work and for the spirit of cooperation and friendship developed in the last eight years,” said Bush spokeman Gordon Johndroe.

“President Bush expressed his gratitude for the kind hospitality all these leaders showed him and Mrs. Bush over the years and told them how much he enjoyed working with them during his two terms,” Mr. Johndroe said.