I count it as one of the real achievements of the time I’ve been Prime Minister of Australia. In a small way I have made a contribution to an even deeper and richer understanding and an even stronger set of bonds between our people and our two very great countries. I think the best of the relationship, good as though it’s been in the past, lies in the future and the contribution that many people in this room have made to that relationship is one that I salute …

John Howard’s speech to the American Australian Association, US Chamber of Commerce, Washington, 18 July 2005, in the presence of Rupert Murdoch