Ahead of George Bush's arrival at the APEC summit in Sydney, Australian Prime Minister John Howard said his personal ties with the White House leader will remain unchanged despite criticism from opposition members and the electorate.

“You form a view of somebody and their character and I tend to stick with them,” Howard said on Monday.

The Australian premier has been heavily criticized for backing the Iraq war, but through his decisions he gained Bush’s support, the American leader saying Howard is “a man of steel” for honoring his commitment to send troops in Iraq. 

Howard reiterated he will maintain his stance and will keep on serving the country’s interests. He acknowledged most people do not share his ideas and many condemn him for supporting Bush’s plans.

Referring to his personal ties with the United States President Bush, Howard said, “It may not always enjoy total support, but I do it in a way that doesn't damage the interests of my country.”

“He has his critics. I like him. I find him an intelligent and likeable man to deal with on a personal basis,” the Australian politician added.

Bush will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and is expected to discuss with leaders from Australia, Japan, South Korea and Russia.

Among his meetings with Australian officials, Bush has scheduled an interview with prominent opposition member and leader of the Labor Party, Kevin Rudd.

The latest opinion polls reveal that Rudd would succeed Howard after the November elections mostly because of his policy regarding the Iraq war. In total contrast with the current premier, Rudd said he will withdraw all 1,500 troopers from Iraq if he becomes prime minister.

“We've been examining the situation on the ground over a long period of time,” Rudd said. “Mr Bush and Mr Howard have their view on Iraq, and we have a different view.”

Rudd’s statement came after Bush said he would share his views with the opposition leader and ask him to analyze thoroughly the situation before making a decision.

“He doesn't know me and I don't know him, so I look forward to sharing my views and would ask, if he were to win [the upcoming election], that he would consider conditions on the ground before making any decisions.”