    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [September 8, 2007]
    [Pages 1186-1187]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan in Sydney, Australia
    September 8, 2007

        President Bush. Shinzo, thank you for your time. I not only had
    breakfast with my friend, I just had a very constructive bilateral
    discussion on a variety of issues. We, of course, discussed concern
    about climate change, our regional concerns. We talked about energy
    security. We talked about Iran.
        But mostly, I want to thank the Prime Minister, his Government, and
    the Japanese people for their contribution in the war against terror.
    The role that Japan plays in this fight is a vital role, and it's a
    necessary role. Japan provides a vital service not only to the United
    States but to other countries as a refueler of our ships. And I thank
    you for that, Mr. Prime Minister, and I thank the Japanese people for
    that as well.
        The fact that we're in a war against extremists was heightened today
    by the release of a tape. The tape is a reminder about the dangerous
    world in which we live, and it is a reminder that we must work together
    to protect our people against these extremists who murder the innocent
    in order to achieve their political objectives.
        I found it interesting that on the tape, Iraq was mentioned, which
    is a reminder that Iraq is a part of this war against extremists. If Al
    Qaida bothers to mention Iraq, it's because they're--they want to
    achieve their objectives in Iraq, which is to drive us out and to
    develop a safe haven. And the reason they want a safe haven is to launch
    attacks against America or any other ally. And therefore, it's important
    that we show resolve and determination to protect ourselves, to deny Al
    Qaida safe haven, and to support young democracies, which will be a
    major defeat to their ambitions.
        So, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for being here. I'm proud to call
    you friend.
        Prime Minister Abe. I'm very happy that we were able to have a very
    nice meeting today, George. Following on to the trilateral breakfast
    that we had among three countries, Japan, Australia, and the United
    States, together, the two of us were able

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    to have a very useful or meaningful discussion on various areas,
    including the political, economic, and security and climate change--all
    these areas. And we agreed to further strengthen the indispensable,
    irreplaceable alliance that we have between our two countries.
        And Japan and the United States agreed to cooperate so that we can
    build an effective framework for addressing the problem of climate
    change. And we agreed the importance for the international community to
    be--stay united in the fight against terrorism, which is still ongoing.
    And we also agreed on the importance of the Japanese-American refueling
    operation in the Indian Ocean.
        We not only agreed to strengthen our bilateral relationship as
    allies, but we also agreed to cooperate closely in attacking the various
    issues that faces the international community.
        President Bush. Thank you, sir.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:15 a.m. at the InterContinental Sydney.
    Prime Minister Abe spoke in Japanese, and his remarks were translated by
    an interpreter.