[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 20 (Monday, May 22, 2006)]
[Pages 941-942]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

[[Page 942]]

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.