Statement by the Press Secretary: President Bush to Welcome Prime Minister Rudd of Australia to the White House

President Bush will welcome Prime Minister Rudd of Australia to the White House on March 28, 2008. The President welcomes the opportunity for productive exchanges with the Prime Minister on ways to further advance the close bilateral cooperation with Australia in a broad range of areas, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, climate change, and regional economic integration. The U.S.-Australia Alliance is grounded firmly in shared values of freedom, security, and prosperity, and the President looks forward to discussions with Prime Minister Rudd on ways to further enhance our strong partnership in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.