U.S. – Australia Relations

President and Australian Prime Minister Discuss Oval Office Meeting

Washington, D.C. — 10 September 2001

Remarks by the President and Prime Minister Howard of Australia at Conclusion of Oval Office Meeting
The Colonnade

Washington, D.C. 11:20 A.M. EDT

Question

Mr. President, how do you feel about a free trade agreement with Australia?

The President

We've had a good discussion about it.

Question

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.

Question

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.

Question

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 --

Question

Have fun.

The President

-- to talk about education.

I hope the Australian press is kinder to you than the American press is to me.

Question

How have you found the discussions --

Prime Minister Howard

Dennis? You heard that, Dennis?

Question

Yes?

Prime Minister Howard

You just listen to the man. He speaks great common sense. (Laughter.)

Question

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.

Question

Have you provided an update on the --

Prime Minister Howard

I can't hear you, I'm sorry?

Question

Have you provided an update on the HMAS Manoora at all?

Prime Minister Howard

Haven't discussed it.

Question

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.

Question

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.

END 11:23 A.M. EDT

Original document from www.whitehouse.gov.

Last update: Monday, 19 November 2007 GMT+1000