    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 37 (Monday, September 17, 2001)]
    [Pages 1294-1295]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Exchange With Reporters Following Discussions With Prime Minister Howard

    September 10, 2001

    Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement

        Q. Mr. President, how do you feel about a free trade agreement with
    Australia?
        The President. We've had a good discussion about it.
        Q. Progress, sir?
        The President. I think we've made some good progress; you bet. I
    appreciate the Prime Minister being here. Australia is a great friend to
    the United States, and it's an honor to welcome him and the delegation
    here.
        Q. Does the agreement still have to wait until after the FDA here?
        The President. We're making good progress. He's certainly making a
    good case.

    Legislative Agenda

        Q. Mr. President, if you had to choose between education and your
    tax cut, which would you choose?
        The President. I'm going to Florida today----
        Q. Have fun.
        The President. ----to talk about education.
        I hope the Australian press is kinder to you than the American press
    is to me.

    Bush-Howard Discussions

        Q. How have you found the discussions----
        Prime Minister Howard. Dennis? You heard that, Dennis?
        Q. Yes?
        Prime Minister Howard. You just listen to the man. He speaks great
    common sense. [Laughter]
        Q. Mr. Howard, how have you found the discussions so far with Mr.
    Bush?
        Prime Minister Howard. Very good. I mean, we are very close friends.
    We covered just about everything you could cover in the time. We're
    going to continue over lunch to talk about some of the regional issues.
    And it's a great opportunity to reinforce what a deep friendship it is.
    And the President and I have a great similarity of views on many issues,
    and it's a great experience to be able to exchange them with somebody
    who holds the views he does.
        Q. Have you provided an update on the----
        Prime Minister Howard. I can't hear you; I'm sorry.
        Q. Have you provided an update on the HMAS Manoora at all?
        Prime Minister Howard. Haven't discussed it.

    [[Page 1295]]

    U.S. Open Tennis Tournament

        Q. Mr. President, do you congratulate Lleyton Hewitt for winning the
    U.S. Open?
        The President. Yes, I do. Man, you talk about a guy who can play
    tennis. He was--clearly tennis is one of Australia's best exports.
        By the way, now that you're here, I do want to say hello to my old
    friend John Newcombe. I knew him years ago; he represents the best of
    Australia. And by the way, we get along well, because if there's any
    place that's like Texas, it's Australia--which is a high compliment, I
    want you to know.
        Q. Mr. President, do you see a role for Australia in the development
    of your----
        The President. I do. They're close allies. We'll have close
    consultation. I look forward to the Prime Minister's continuing advice.
    We have had great discussions about the Far East, and his advice is very
    valuable for our foreign policy. There's nothing like a friend who will
    tell the truth.

    Note: The exchange began at 11:20 a.m. on the West Colonnade at the
    White House. In his remarks, the President referred to former Australian
    Davis Cup captain, John Newcombe. A tape was not available for
    verification of the content of this exchange.