    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [May 14, 2006]
    [Pages 926-927]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks During a Presentation of White House Trees With Prime Minister
    John Howard of Australia
    May 14, 2006

        President Bush. Well, first of all, Ambassador, thanks for having us, and happy birthday.
        Ambassador Dennis Richardson. Thank
    you very much.
        President Bush. How old are you?
        Ambassador Richardson. Well----
        President Bush. Don't say, then. [Laughter] It's wonderful to be
    here with our dear friends the Howards. I think it is interesting that
    we're planting two trees, and this is a symbol of our enduring
    friendship. And I can't thank you enough, John, for your strong support
    for the liberty agenda, deep desire for the world to be a peaceful
    place. I really enjoy working with you for the common good. Thanks for
    having us.
        Prime Minister Howard. Thank you. Well, George, you and Laura, not
    only for the offices that you hold but also for the people you are, are
    very welcome on this piece of Australian soil in Washington. I indicated
    to the President a moment ago that it was here on this lawn that I
    addressed a news conference on the 12th of September, 2001, when I said
    that Australia would stand side by side with the United States in
    responding to the new threat of terrorism. And that resolve is as strong
    now as it was on the 12th of September, 2001.
        These trees are a wonderful symbol of that friendship. This
    residence has a lot of history. It was, of course, the very first
    residence occupied by an Australian envoy to other than a then dominion
    or Commonwealth country. And when the then Prime Minister, R.G. Menzies,
    announced it, he said that having an ambassador--a representative or
    envoy to America represented the first time we were sending one to what
    he called a foreign country.
        There has certainly been nothing foreign in the relationship between
    our two countries since then, and it's great to have you and Laura with
    us, and it's a wonderful symbol. The Ambassador has got to look after
    the trees--[laughter]--and to keep his two rottweilers away from them.
    [Laughter]

    Note: The President spoke at 6:45 p.m. at the Australian Ambassador's
    residence. Participating in the event was Australia's Ambassador to the
    U.S. Dennis Richardson.

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