US president George W. Bush and Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin told reporters Tuesday their meeting failed to reach an agreement on resolving the outstanding trade disputes over mad cow and softwood lumber.

At a joint press conference here, Martin said they however had agreed on devising a common strategy for resolving the trade disputes in the future.

On the issue of beef trade dispute, Bush said "I understand theintegrated nature of the cattle business and I hope we can get this issue resolved as quickly as possible," adding that the WhiteHouse is processing the file "as quickly as possible."

Martin said he and Bush have agreed to work together to fight terrorism and build the economy. Canada and the US will begin a process next year to enhance security, build prosperity and improve the quality of life in both countries, he added.

Bush arrived in Ottawa on Tuesday for a two-day working visit to Canada, the first official visit since he became US president in 2000. The visit is marked by demonstrations in many parts of Canada.

Source: Xinhua