Crawford, Texas: Relations between Australia and the United States hit a new high today as President George W Bush
said Prime Minister John Howard was a man of steel.
After an overnight stay at the presidential ranch in central Texas, Mr Bush said he was proud that Mr Howard was his
friend.
And he said Mr Howard's steady hand and knowledge of the world had helped him make a series of tough decisions.
Mr Bush invited Mr Howard and his wife Janette to spend the night at the ranch near the village of Crawford, to thank him for
Australia's strong support of the US in the war against Iraq.
While discussing issues such as terrorist threats in Indonesia and North Korea's nuclear program, the two leaders also drove
around the 640 hectare to look at various hardwood trees planted by Mr Bush.
At one point, the two stopped near a small waterfall where they discussed the world's problems.
Mr Bush said the Australian leader was a good friend to himself and to the entire US.
He said Mr Howard been a strong world leader, to which others could look.
"The prime minister is not only a man of steel, he's showed the world he's a man of heart," he told reporters.
"I can't tell you what a comfort it is to talk to him on the phone.
"He's steady. It gets tough when you make tough decisions and we both made the tough decisions but there was never any
doubt in his mind.
"He was steady under fire."
Mr Bush said that during a visit to the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, to welcome home American troops from the war,
he had been told Australia's military were the best in the world.
The president said Mr Howard had shown a great deal of courage in the way he had dealt with the issues surrounding the war
against Iraq.
Having the Howards at the ranch was a great way to thank a friend for his help.
"I trust his judgment and I appreciate his friendship," he said.
Mr Bush also paid what could be the ultimate compliment.
"They tell me Australia and Texas have got a lot in common. Having watched this man perform I agree," he said.
"The biggest compliment you can pay to somebody, at least in this part of the country, is you're kinda like a Texan."
Mr Howard was thankful that he and Janette could spend time with the Bush family on their hideaway.
He paid tribute to the efforts of the American military in the war against Iraq, and to the other members of the coalition of the
willing.
"I think the military textbooks will be replete with the experiences of Operation Iraqi Freedom for many years to come," he
said.
"The leadership of the US, with the support of its coalition partners, Great Britain, Australia, Poland and others, I think has sent
a very important message, not only to the region, but also to the rest of the world."
AAP
