President George W. Bush greets Australian troops during a social lunch Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007, on Garden Island in Sydney.
Prime Minister Howard: I want to welcome all of you here today. And can I take this opportunity, because it is a gathering of the men and women of the ADF, can I take this opportunity of expressing on my behalf and on behalf of all of the people of Australia the immense admiration we have for the wonderful things you do, for your fighting qualities and for the way in which you not only fight well but you work well with the local communities of nations of where you are dispatched.
President Bush, center, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, rear left, sit with Australian troops during lunch at Garden Island Naval Base in Sydney, Australia, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007.
Prime Minister Howard (speaking to the president): We are delighted that you are accompanied by your Secretary of State, who is held in very warm regard in this country for the wonderful work she does. And can I say that the relationship between our two countries has never been stronger. It's a relationship that is deeply rooted in history and common values and something that is very important to all Australians.