Bush, Blair Defend Iraq and Praise Each Other After Final White House Meeting

ABC News’ aren Travers Reports: In what is likely their last meeting at the White House, President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair spoke fondly of their strong relationship and friendship and defended their decisions on Iraq and the war on terror.

Prime Minister Blair, who announced he will step down as prime minister on June 27, stayed at the White House last night in the Queen’s Bedroom, instead of his usual location at the British Ambassador’s residence.

This is the 17th bilateral meeting between the two leaders in the United States and Britain, not counting numerous side meetings at global summits.

Prime Minister Blair said that he believed Britain would remain a "staunch and steadfast ally" in the war on terror and in Iraq and Afghanistan even after he leaves office and said he has been consistent in his support for the United States.

"I have taken the view that Britain should stand shoulder to shoulder with America after September 11. I have never deviated from that view," the Prime Minister said. "I do not regret that view. I am proud of the relationship we have had. I am proud of the relationship between our two countries."

Blair said he has admired Bush as a president and regards him as a friend. Bush called him a "clear strategic thinker" and effective and said he appreciates that Blair can "see beyond the horizon."

This morning, President Bush and Prime Minister Blair took part in a secure video conference with Gen. David Petraeus, Amb. Ryan Crocker and their British counterparts in Baghdad.

Both Bush and Blair strongly defended their decisions on Iraq. President Bush said he does not regret what may or may not have happened over the last five years and he believes the U.S/U.K. relationship is laying the foundation for peace.

Blair concurred. "[W]e took a decision that we thought was very difficult. I thought then, and I think now, it was the right decision," Prime Minister Blair said. "History will make a judgment at a particular time."

The sounds of protestors outside the White House fence could be heard in the Rose Garden and Blair noted that while they are probably not shouting compliments at the two leaders, that is democracy and people are free to express their views.

(The loud protesters turned out to be just two members of Code Pink who had one really loud bullhorn)

The British press focused on Blair’s leaving, with one reporter asking if he should go sooner and if Bush was "partly to blame" for Blair’s leaving now and another asked if Blair was still the right man for the President to speak to.

Bush chided that first reporter for "trying to do a tap dance on this political grave" and lauded Blair’s effectiveness.

"Tony Blair is somebody who actually follows through with his convictions and, therefore, is admired in the international community," Bush said.