US President George W. Bush urged Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Wednesday to lift the ban on US beef imports imposed following the discovery of mad cow disease.

At a joint news conference after meeting with Koizumi in the morning, Bush said the safety of US beef was confirmed.

A Japanese expert panel adopted a draft report in late October recommending an end to the ban, paving the way for Japan to resume imports in December of beef from cattle aged up to 20 months if the brains and other risk materials are removed.

While urging Japan to give in on beef ban issue, Bush praised the reform efforts of Koizumi and said he will continue to support them.

"I look forward to continuing to work with you throughout my presidency and your term as prime minister," Bush added.

Source: Xinhua