London, Nov 20: Britain and the United States stand firm in their determination to defeat "terrorism," Queen Elizabeth II told George W Bush during a state banquet in London in honour of the US President. Hosting the lavish meal at Buckingham Palace at the end of the first full day of Bush's state visit to Britain, the Queen yesterday said the two nations had "never been closer", adding: "Our two countries stand firm in their determination to defeat terrorism." Bush replied that Britain and the US were carrying out a "mission of freedom and democracy" in Afghanistan and Iraq, which was a "necessary and noble cause to secure the peace of the world". The term "special relationship" admirably described the friendship between Britain and the United States, the Queen told guests at the banquet including British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Bush's staunchest ally in the Iraq crisis, diplomats and senior politicians.

"Like all special friends, we can talk frankly and we can disagree from time to time -- even sometimes fall out over a particular issue," Elizabeth said.

"But the depth and breadth of our partnership means that there is always so much we are doing together, at all levels, that disputes can be quickly overcome and forgiven." Bureau Report