On behalf of the Government and people of Australia I congratulate President George Bush on his inauguration.
I wish him well in the formidable task of leading the most powerful nation on earth.
The President takes office at a time of great prosperity for the United States but also with some uneven signs emerging in the United States' economy.
The new Administration assembled by the President is both talented and highly experienced.
A number of the members of the Bush team are very familiar with Australia and personally known to me and members of the Australian Government.
The Australian Government will work closely with the new Bush Administration.
Inevitably there will be differences on certain issues but overwhelmingly the goals of our governments and our societies are similar.
We seek a stable, prosperous world based on democratic ideals and expanding equality of opportunities for the peoples of all nations.
21 January 2001