    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [May 16, 2006]
    [Page 940]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a State Dinner Honoring Prime Minister John Howard of Australia
    May 16, 2006

        Mr. Prime Minister, Mrs. Howard,
    distinguished guests: Welcome to the White House. This is going to be a
    joyous occasion because we're honoring two really good friends. We wish
    you a warm welcome. We thank the Howards for making a long journey, and
    thanks for spending so much time with us here in the States.
        Our partnership is broad, and it's deep. Australia and America are
    working together to expand trade and to counter threats of nuclear
    proliferation, to make the latest energy technologies available to all
    nations. In the global war on terror, we have no better ally than
    Australia and John Howard. And in the spread of freedom to create
    lasting peace, we have no better friend than Australia and John Howard.
        Mr. Prime Minister, we value your courage and your faithfulness and
    your strength, and I value your friendship. Laura
    and I have cherished every visit with you and Janette. We really appreciated the chance to plant those trees
    yesterday at the Australian Embassy. [Laughter] We wanted to bring a
    Texas tree up, but they don't grow too well here in Washington.
    [Laughter] But I know those trees are going to grow strong and sturdy,
    just like our friendship has grown strong and sturdy.
        I was thinking about how to really describe John Howard and his
    leadership in Australia, and I thought I would remind everybody what
    Ronald Reagan used to say: it was ``morning in America.'' And Mr. Prime
    Minister, that's still true for our country. We're really an optimistic
    people, and we firmly believe the best days are ahead for our country. I
    know you feel the same way about Australia. It's also comforting to know
    that on the other side of the world, it's already morning in Australia.
    [Laughter]
        Mr. Prime Minister, Laura and I offer a toast
    to you and Janette, to our allies, and to the
    great people of Australia.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:07 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Janette Howard, wife of
    Prime Minister Howard. The transcript made available by the Office of
    the Press Secretary also included the remarks of Prime Minister Howard.