    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [May 16, 2006]
    [Pages 932-933]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Welcoming Ceremony for Prime Minister John Howard of Australia
    May 16, 2006

        Good morning. Laura and I are honored to
    welcome Prime Minister John Howard and his wife, Janette, back to the White House.
        Australia and the United States share timeless values. On opposite
    sides of the Pacific, our peoples created lands of opportunity and
    offered millions the hope of new beginnings. As frontier peoples, we
    cherish the spirit of discovery. We believe that men and women who dream
    big and work hard can create a better world.
        Australians and Americans also believe in the power of freedom. Our
    two nations were once remote outposts of liberty, lands where those
    escaping tyranny could find a better life. Today, freedom is on the
    move. Australians and Americans celebrate freedom's advance, because
    nations that respect the rights and dignity of their own people are the
    best partners for peace and the strongest anchors of stability in every
    region of the world.
        Freedom has enemies, and for more than 100 years, Australians and
    Americans have joined together to defend freedom. Together we fought the
    Battle of Hamel in World War I. Together we fought in World War II from
    the beaches of Normandy to the waters of the Coral Sea. Together we

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    fought in Korea and Vietnam. And together we're fighting and winning the
    global war on terror.
        Prime Minister Howard, you and I stood together here at the White
    House the day before September the 11th, 2001. And our nations have
    stood together on every day afterwards. The American people know that
    Australia is a strong ally. We admire your courage, and we appreciate
    your sacrifice.
        We share your grief over the loss of your own countrymen who were
    brutally attacked in Bali. We share your determination to defeat those
    who murder the innocent to promote their ideology of hatred. To defeat
    the terrorists, we must stay on the offensive, and Australia has been on
    the frontlines of every offensive in the war on terror.
        In Afghanistan, the first casualty among American allies was an
    Australian. In Iraq, Australian Special Operation forces were among the
    first coalition units on the ground. The bravery and skill of the
    Australian military have helped the people of these two nations claim
    their freedom and deny the terrorists safe havens from which to launch
    further attacks.
        War has reaffirmed the strength of our alliance, yet our alliance is
    only one component of our broad partnership. Australia and the United
    States signed a free trade agreement in 2004 because we recognize that
    open markets create greater prosperity for both our peoples. We're
    cooperating to expand trade worldwide. In the Doha negotiations,
    Australia and America speak with one voice. We continue to urge all
    parties to reduce global trade barriers that keep millions in the
    developing world mired in poverty.
        Our two nations accept other global responsibilities as well. We
    helped to build the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and
    Climate, so we can make the latest energy technologies available to all
    to increase efficiency and reduce pollution.
        We've pooled our resources to help the victims of natural disasters,
    and we're working together to meet the threat of pandemic disease. We
    share a common approach to security issues, including Iran and North
    Korea. Our two nations are closer than ever, and Americans admire
    Australia's strong leader. Prime Minister John Howard has affirmed our
    common values. He's strengthened our alliance. He's built on our long
    history of partnership. I value his counsel. I admire his courage.
        Mr. Prime Minister and Mrs. Howard, thank
    you for making the long journey. We welcome you with the honor due to a
    valiant nation and with the warmth of close friends. Welcome to America.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:16 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House, where Prime Minister Howard was accorded a formal welcome with
    full military honors. The transcript released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary also included the remarks of Prime Minister Howard.