Leaders Sign Deal To Harmonize, Integrate At Summit

"It's important the two go hand in hand," he said. "We've done a lot of trade with each other. And we're going to keep it that way." Bush thanked Martin and Fox for their "spirit of partnership," and for making sure democracy, freedom and trade outlast whatever politics may occur between the nations. "One thing is very clear and that is, when we work together as countries to make North America safer and more competitive, the fact is all of the continent and all of our citizens benefit," Martin told reporters. The prime minister called the agreement a "roadmap" focused on "finding practical ways to help our citizenship live healthier, safer and more prosperous lives." "We are determined to forge and ensure the next generation of our continent's success," he said. Fox said the three countries face "new threats that carry a risk for our societies, but we also want to work toward the good performance of our economies." "We want to make North America the most competitive region in the world, and we can do it with actions in the fields of energy, education, technology, security and through protecting our natural resources," Fox said in Spanish. Sensitive issues Martin and Bush pushed aside questions from reporters about the strained relationship between their countries, which soured last month when Canada opted out of the U.S. ballistic missile defence program. Martin said Canada won't re-consider its decision to pull out of the program, adding that the two countries have had their share of differences in the past but that the relationship remains strong. Bush dismissed any differences that exist as natural. The president said he knows firsthand that softwood lumber is clearly a sensitive issue. "But think about all the trade we've got between our countries. We've resolved a lot of issues in a positive manner and will continue to resolve them," he said. "We had an issue with cows that is getting resolved. I am amazed that we don't have more sharp disagreements because we are doing a lot together. I think the relationship is very strong and very positive." Martin talked about the need to get rid of "nuisance regulations" that would make sure North America stays competitive with rising economies such as Asia. "What we really want to do is to make very, very substantial progress, and to make sure that we continue to do it so that the forces of protectionism never take over in North America," Martin said. CTV's Ottawa bureau chief Bob Fife told Newsnet that Bush is "looking beyond just North American integration." The president is setting his sights further to South America, and "creating this great big trading block to compete with growing economies like China and the European union." Fife also warned not to expect any major movement on Canada-U.S. trade issues at this summit. "The key thing here is they're going to try to establish a good working relationship," said Fife. A joint statement issued by the leaders outlines the establishment of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America -- a "trilateral effort to increase the security, prosperity, and quality of life of our citizens." As part of their efforts to improve security, the countries promise to: * implement common border security strategies, including a continent-wide screening process of people and cargo; * enhance protection of infrastructure; * co-ordinate emergency response efforts in case of a natural or terrorist disaster at the borders; and * improve aviation and maritime security. To improve trade, the leaders said they will: * improve productivity through regulatory cooperation; * promote collaboration in areas of energy, transportation, financial service and technology; * reduce the costs of trade through the efficient movement of goods and people; and * enhance the "stewardship of environment" and create a safer and more reliable food supply. Following the press conference, the leaders will fly to Bush's 700 hectare, canyon-filled ranch in Crawford, Texas. The less formal atmosphere there could help heal relations that soured when Martin decided not to participate in the U.S. ballistic missile defence program. http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1111583825468_66/?hub=TopStories