[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 20 (Monday, May 22, 2006)]
[Pages 934-935]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 
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

[[Page 935]]

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 the Prime Minister Howard.