Transcript: Bush Meets With Canadian PM

President Bush held a press conference earlier this afternoon with Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin. A transcript of the appearance follows

MARTIN: The president, ministers and I have had a productive meeting. In fact, we agreed to put forward an agenda in which our two nations will cooperate in a practical way toward common goals. From this work plan, a set of concrete milestones will be established in the new year. 

Furthermore, while this is a bilateral effort between our two countries, it is trilateral in ambition, and we'll be inviting our Mexican partners to join us, obviously, in this project. 

This work plan is aimed at achieving practical results for the people of our countries: enhanced security, greater prosperity and improved quality of life. And it's about working together to advance democratic values and fundamental freedoms around the world. 

MARTIN: Here at home, we will collaborate further to ensure our shared border is closed to terror, but open to the safe movement of people and goods which is so integral to our economic success. 

We'll focus on ensuring that our businesses have the capacity to compete with entrenched and emerging global competitors. We'll work together to make sure that we apply smart regulation to raise standards in both countries and reinforce our mutual efforts to protect the environment, to fight crime, to stop trafficking in humans and illegal drugs, and enhance our ability to combat infectious disease.

We're going to advocate new approaches to multilateral cooperation in the world. And we'll be forceful advocates of free trade, whether that be in North America or in the early completion of the Doha round. 

At all times, we'll be vigilant in countering and combating terrorism and halting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. 

Now, given the wide variety of areas that have been encompassed in corresponding the need to ensure direction and focus, I've asked the deputy prime minister and the minister of foreign affairs to work with the relevant ministers to oversee the efforts that we have now laid out before us and to report to me directly on progress in all areas of this work plan no later than next June.

President Bush and I are well aware that the prosperity of our nations, our status as open societies, and the well-being of our democratic institutions are linked now to the integrity of our collective security.

MARTIN: The work plan will be an important step forward toward the mutual protection of our citizens, our values and our way of life. 

Mr. President?

BUSH: Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister. 

Laura and I are so pleased to be here in Canada. We thank you for your warm hospitality. Thank you for the meetings we've had. 

And I'm proud to be standing with the prime minister. He's a strong leader. He's a statesman who's helping to build a better world. 

I want to thank you for your leadership and friendship. 

Canada and the United States share a history, a continent and a border. We also share a commitment to freedom and a willingness to defend it in times of peril. 

The United States and Canada fought side by side in two world wars, in Korea and the Persian Gulf and throughout the Cold War.

Today we're standing together against the forces of terror. Long-term success in this war requires more than military might. It requires the advance of liberty and hope as the great alternatives to hatred and violence. 

All free nations appreciate Canada's leadership: leadership of the security and stabilization mission in Afghanistan, leadership which helped make possible the first free, nationwide election in that country's history. 

Afghanistan is a world away from the nightmare of its recent past, Mr. Prime Minister. It is building a decent and democratic future. And I want to thank you for your help. 

Once again, people in that part of the world have demonstrated the power of liberty to overcome great challenges. 

Your vision is clear on that, Mr. Prime Minister, and I can't thank you enough for that. 

We're also standing with the brave people of Iraq who are preparing for elections on January the 30th. Both of our nations have a vital interest in helping the Iraqi people secure their country, and build a free and democratic society.

BUSH: I want to thank the prime minister's resolve and his support for this great cause.