BEIJING, May 18 -- U.S. President George W. Bush and outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair have strongly defended their decision to go to war in Iraq.

    Despite rising opposition in both their countries and their own plunging approval ratings, Bush and Blair say they've no regrets.

    Blair and Bush addressed reporters on Thursday during what's likely to be Blair's last official visit to Washington as Britain's prime minister.

    The two leaders said they have no regrets about the decision to go to war and stay in the country. They contend Iraq has become the main battleground in the war against global terrorism.

    Noting that he could hear anti-war demonstrators outside the White House as they spoke, Blair defended his decision to join the US-led war... even though it has proven unpopular in both countries.

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

    Both men had good words for Gordon Brown, Britain's treasury chief, who was confirmed Thursday as the next leader of the ruling Labour Party.

    Bush said, "Will I miss working with Tony Blair? You bet I will. Can I work with the next guy? Of course."

    However, Bush's comment come as the Congress and the White House have been at loggerheads over war spending since earlier this month. Bush has vetoed legislation which included provisions for troop withdrawals to begin on October 1.

    For the new incoming British leader and Bush, dealing with the hotly debated Iraq war situation will be no easy task.

    (Source: cctv.com)