Bush, Howard confirm roles in Iraq

SYDNEY, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Australian Prime Minister John Howard and U.S. President George Bush in Sydney on Wednesday reaffirmed their nations' roles in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In morning meetings, the leaders signed a defense cooperation agreement that cuts bureaucratic red tape when Australia purchases military equipment from the United States, the Australian Broadcasting Corp., reported online.

Later at a luncheon for the Australian military, Howard praised Bush and called him "the leader of the nation that is closer to Australia than any nation in the world in strategic and defense terms.

"You are here as a good mate of Australia's and you are amongst people who have great admiration for the common values that our two nations hold so dear," Howard said.

In turn, Bush acknowledged the two wars were a strain but said it was worth bearing.

"I believe we are writing one of the great chapters in the history of liberty and peace," Bush said. "And the prime minister has given me a chance to thank you, so I want to thank you -- you've got a fabulous military."