Text: Bush and Howard News Conference

President Bush and Australian Prime Minister John Howard, left, participate in a joint press availability in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 16, 2006. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert - AP)

-- Text of remarks by President Bush and Australian Prime Minister John Howard on Tuesday, as transcribed by CQ Transcriptions.

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BUSH: Thank you all. It's my honor to welcome the prime minister of Australia here to the East Room for a press briefing. I'm going to feed him tonight. Before I feed him tonight, I'm going to feed him to you. (LAUGHTER)

We've just had a really interesting discussion about a lot of issues.

First, I admire John Howard's understanding that the war on terror still goes on and that we've got to be steadfast and firm if we intend to succeed in defeating the terrorists.

Secondly, I appreciate very much his understanding in discussions about the way forward in Iraq. Spent quite a bit of time talking about the new government. I described to him as best as I could my feelings about the prime minister-designee, who I believe is a firm, decisive person that is going to make a difference in that country's future.

I thanked him very much for the commitment of Australian troops. We, of course, talked about the Iraqi security forces' capacity to defend themselves. I reported to him that we're pleased with the progress being made, but that the United States will make decisions about our troop levels based upon conditions on the ground.

We talked about Afghanistan. Again, I want to thank the prime minister for his support there for this fledgling democracy.

We talked about North Korea. We talked about Iran. We talked about a lot. And that's what you'd expect when you're talking to an ally and a friend and a good strategic thinker.

The prime minister is capable of not only seeing the problems for today; he's capable of looking down the road. And I appreciate his advice and his judgment on national security matters as well as in talking about issues like energy and trade.

We've got a good relationship with Australia, and we intend to keep it that way. I always reminded my friends who talked to me about countries around the world, I said: I can't think of a country _ a place _ more like Texas than Australia. And that's a compliment. Except for some of these people over here.

The people of Australia are independent-minded. They're smart. They're capable. They're hardworking. And I really enjoy my relationship with the prime minister.